luksong

Luksong is a traditional Filipino children's game whose name comes from the Tagalog word for jumping. It refers to a family of games in which players must leap over obstacles created by others. The best known version is luksong tinik, often translated as “leap over thorns.”

In luksong tinik, two teams typically participate. A group of players lies on the ground in a line with their legs raised to form a barrier. The jumper from the opposing team runs toward the barrier and tries to leap over it without touching the raised legs. If the jumper clears the obstacle, the barrier is raised higher for the next round, either by adding more players or by adjusting the height. If the jumper touches a leg or fails to clear the barrier, they are out for that round and a new jumper takes their place. Play continues with roles reversing after each attempt.

Variations of luksong exist across regions. In luksong lubid, for example, a rope is used as the obstacle and is swung for players to jump over, with the height increasing as rounds progress. Other local rules may modify how the barrier is formed, how it is raised, and how players are eliminated.

Luksong is typically played outdoors and requires little to no equipment beyond space and participants. It emphasizes agility, balance, and coordination, and is a social activity that has long been part of Filipino street and neighborhood games, often played during school recess or community events.