play
PLAY
A distinction can be drawn between human forms of play, such as engag-
ing in sports, games, and inter-human interactions, and divine play. The
human type of play is not a serious activity; it is simply fun and enjoy-
able, although it embodies a sense to it by giving meaning to action. Play,
a cultural concept, means something to members of a society and pos-
sesses a non-materialistic quality, even though it can transcend the imme-
diate needs of life while also serving as a primary category of life. The
play element of culture suggests that humans are not simply rational and
serious creatures, because play is pervasive, possesses an irrational qual-
ity, and is not simply an opposite of seriousness, although play can be
earnestly serious for participants. Play is also closely related to the notion
of the comic, forming a subsidiary to play, but not in the sense that it is
foolishness because play is beyond the antithesis of wisdom and folly.
Finally, play is associated with the aesthetic beauty of the human body
in motion saturated with rhythm and harmony.
These features of play do not suggest that it is easily susceptible to a
precise logical, biological, or aesthetical definition. In his study of play,
Johan Huizinga calls attention to eight general characteristics of the con-
cept. (1) Play is a voluntary activity that manifests freedom and its super-
fluous nature, which suggests that it is never a task or form of work and
it can be deferred or suspended at any time. (2) Play does not represent
ordinary or real life because it gives participants an opportunity to step
outside of life into a realm of pretending and fun. (3) Play is disinterest-
edness, which suggests that which stands outside of human desires and
drives. Play, a temporary activity, functions as an interlude in our daily
lives, while also being an integral part of life that enriches our existence.
(4) Play is distinct from ordinary life in terms of locale and duration
because it is performed within certain limits of time and place. This sug-
gests that it contains its own repetitive course and meaning within a
marked off space. (5) Play creates order, even though this order is tem-
porary and limited, whereas any deviation spoils a game. Within the order
of play, participants come under the spell of play in the sense that they
are enchanted and captivated by a rhythmical and harmonious activity.
(6) There is also a tension in play related to its uncertain, chancy nature,
which introduces an ethical value by testing a player’s ability. (7) Play
possesses rules that are binding on all participants and eliminate doubt.
If the rules are transgressed by a spoilsport, which robs it of its illusion,
the play world collapses, revealing the relativity and fragility of that
world. (8) Finally, play is secret because it is only for us and not for oth-
ers. It gives us a chance to be different by playing another role. In his