Did you know that juggling dates back over 4,000 years? From ancient Egyptian tomb paintings to modern circus performances, juggling has fascinated cultures around the world. But beyond its entertainment value, juggling also offers a fascinating window into human culture, skill transmission, and even the way societies value dexterity and coordination. I started learning juggling in 6th grade when my English teacher shared his love of juggling with me. Then, last summer I stumbled upon a "Juggle Jam" during an annual family trip to Cape Cod and had the opportunity to learn juggling tips and improve on my juggling tips from a local circus coach! Juggling has turned into a fun crowd loving skill that I have been excited to grow as well as calming techniquen when I want to unwind after a long day.  

One key concept in anthropology is "skill transmission," the way techniques and knowledge are passed down through generations. Juggling, like language, music, and dance, is a skill that has traveled across time and geography, changing with each new generation of performers!

Ancient depictions of juggling appear in Egyptian hieroglyphics from around 2000 BCE, showing performers tossing balls in intricate patterns (read more in this article). In ancient Egypt, some anthropologists believe that juggling balls were made from palm fiber, straw, wood, or clay, and sometimes filled with seeds. Also, anthropologists believe the sphere represented fertility and prosperity. Similarly, Chinese, Roman, and medieval European cultures all embraced juggling in different ways. Whether it was used for entertainment, religious ceremonies, or displays of physical prowess, juggling has long been a marker of cultural expression.

Juggling has been shaped by the cultures that adopted it. In medieval Europe, jesters and court performers entertained royalty with their juggling feats. In Asia, juggling took on spiritual significance; for example, in Japan, traditional "Edo Daikagura" performers combined juggling with religious rituals to bring good fortune. The variety of juggling styles worldwide reflects how different societies value performance, dexterity, and discipline. For example, in South America, the indigenous Mapuche people practiced "trutruka" juggling, using their skills in storytelling and community gatherings. Meanwhile, in the Middle Ages, European guilds formed to train and protect the secrets of their craft, ensuring that the art of juggling remained an exclusive skill set.  Read more about the history of juggling in this article from Boston College.  

As someone who enjoys juggling, I see firsthand how skill transmission plays a role in my learning process. Every time I watch an experienced juggler or receive feedback from a teacher, I’m participating in a long tradition of passing down knowledge, especially when I'm learning from a circus instructor in Cape Cod who teaches apprentices in person on open fields. My teachers are much like my mentors, sharing tips and techniques that help me refine my skills, similar to how apprentices learned from masters in medieval times.  For me, learning to juggle teaches me patience, discipline, and creativity, qualities that many cultures have historically valued in performers, including music and dance. Whether I’m perfecting a three-ball cascade or experimenting with new tricks, I’m connecting with a skill that has entertained and challenged people for millennia. I wondered why learning juggling can be hard or if there are other benefits from mastering this skill. As it turns out, some research shows that learning how to juggle increases neuroplasticity in the brain. All the more reason for me to continue learning juggling tricks! 

Juggling is more than just tossing objects in the air, it’s a cultural phenomenon that spans history and it’s an art form, a sport, and an example of how humans pass down and refine skills across generations. Think about your own hobbies, what skills have been passed down to you, and how do they connect you to history and culture?

Juggling is an ancient tradition that has evolved through cultures, serving as both entertainment and a reflection of societal values. By practicing it, I’m engaging in a long-standing tradition of skill transmission, much like those who came before me. Anthropology and scientific brain studies help us to see hobbies like juggling in a new light, revealing both their deep historical and cultural roots and scientific benefits.

What hobbies or skills have you learned from others? How might they connect to human history, science and tradition? Maybe next time you see a juggler, you’ll think about the thousands of years of culture and history in each toss and catch!