What Is the "Pass the Flower" Game? (And How to Play It in English!)
Have you ever been part of a circle of friends, laughing and clapping, while a flower was passed around like it held magical power? That’s the “Pass the Flower” game—also known as “擊鼓傳花” in Chinese. It’s not just for kids! Whether you're hosting a party, teaching English to teens, or simply want to spice up your weekend with friends, here’s how to play it in English—with reallife examples that’ll make your post go viral on Instagram or Xiaohongshu.
Q: What are the basic rules of “Pass the Flower” in English?
A: Simple! You need a group of 4–10 people, a small object (like a flower, a plush toy, or even a phone), and music. Everyone sits in a circle. One person plays music (or uses an app like Spotify). As the music plays, players pass the object quickly from hand to hand. When the music stops, whoever is holding the object must perform a task—like telling a joke, doing a dance, or answering a fun question. If they refuse, they’re out—or maybe just get teased!
Q: Can I use this game to teach English to my students?
A: Absolutely! I once used it in a language class in Beijing. I had my students pass a stuffed panda while playing a song. When the music stopped, the student had to say one sentence using the word “adventure.” One girl said: “My last adventure was hiking Mount Tai!” The whole class cheered—and she later told me it helped her remember vocabulary better. Real story, real results.
Q: What if someone doesn’t know the rules? How do I explain them clearly in English?
A: Just say: “We’re playing ‘Pass the Flower’—it’s like musical chairs but with fun! Music plays, we pass the object fast, and when it stops, the person holding it does something silly or creative. No pressure—just laughter!” Keep it light. My friend Sarah did this at her birthday party in London. She used a plastic rose and played “Uptown Funk.” Everyone loved it—even the shy ones joined in after seeing others have fun!
Q: Any tips for making it more engaging?
A: Yes! Add themed rounds: “English Challenge Round”: Say a sentence using a new word. “Truth or Dare”: If you don’t want to do a dare, tell a truth about yourself. “Story Chain”: The loser starts a story, and each next player adds a line. I tried this at a café in Shanghai—people were so into it, they stayed an extra hour just to keep playing!
So whether you’re teaching English, bonding with friends, or creating content for your followers, “Pass the Flower” is more than a game—it’s a connection tool. And now, you’ve got the full English rules ready to share. ????
