Definition of play

The definition of play is very significant to our lives and the way we live. At a young age we learn to play but in different ways. Huizinga believes that play brings us together and it transcends the physical. It has become more than just something we do. Play is embedded in our culture and as long as it is voluntary then it can be considered play. The thing that defines play is it being imaginary, voluntary and governed by rules. Society is usually a reflection of how they play. That’s why huizinga put so much emphasis on culture. The culture we live in is a form of how we like to play and what we consider to be play may be different somewhere else. Even animals are able to engage in play similar to humans and it is representation of their unity. Play can be also theorized as training for the serious work a young creature has to face in the future. I like the reading because it allows you to interpret the different perspectives of play. It is not current to the games we experience now but it tries to categorize what play can be seen as. It is separate from us and something that is needed for survival. It helps us prepare for what awaits and provides satisfaction that we use to stay excited about life. Play is a stress reliever and makes situations become less tense. Some forms of play that are cultural may be more intense than others like fighting. As long as it is free and voluntary it is considered play but we monetize most forms of play that we participate in now in modern society. Huizinga does a good job of defining the nature of play and what it provides culturally.