A Google dreidel is a four-sided spinning top that is used during the Hanukkah Jewish holiday. The dreidel is a Jewish version of the teetotum, a popular gambling item in many European cultures.
Each side of the dreidel bears a different Hebrew letter:
Nun () – literally “nothing”
Gimmel () – meaning “all” in German.
Hey () – meaning “half” in English.
Shin () – literally “put in”
Each participant begins with an equal amount of game pieces, such as pennies, nuts, or candy, to play dreidel. Each player placed one game piece in the centre of the table. The dreidel is spun by each player in turn. What the player performs is determined by the letter that lands face up.
The player does nothing if the nun lands face up.
The player takes all of the game pieces in the pot if the gimmel lands face up.
If the hey comes up face up, the player receives half of the game pieces in the pot.
If the shin lands face up, the player discards another game piece.
The game will continue until one person has collected all of the game pieces.
During Hanukkah, youngsters enjoy playing with the dreidel. It’s a joyful and entertaining way to celebrate the holiday.
Here are a few more facts regarding dreidels:
The dreidel is thought to have been invented in the 17th century.
The dreidel represents the Hanukkah miracle, in which a little amount of oil lasted eight days.
The dreidel is typically made of wood; however, it can also be made of plastic, metal, or other materials.
Dreidels are available in a range of colours and styles.