Who Invented The Game of Lacrosse?
Lacrosse is one of the oldest team sports in North America. It has been around for centuries, and its origin is steeped in Native American culture. Did you know that lacrosse was invented by Indigenous people?
Let’s look at the history of this popular sport and learn more about who first started playing it.
The Origin of Lacrosse
Indigenous tribes played the original form of lacrosse in what is now Canada and the United States. It was first documented by Jesuit missionary Jean de Brébeuf, who wrote about witnessing the Iroquois playing the game in 1636.
According to oral tradition, lacrosse was invented by the Mohawk people as a way to resolve conflicts between tribes and communities. The game also had spiritual significance; it was believed that playing lacrosse brought blessings from the Creator to those who participated.
In the early 1800s, lacrosse was brought to Europe by explorers and missionaries, where it quickly gained popularity. Today, lacrosse is enjoyed by people worldwide and is considered one of the fastest-growing sports in the United States.
The Rules of Lacrosse
The rules of lacrosse have changed over time, but many aspects remain similar to how they were when first played centuries ago. The field size and number of players varied depending on which tribe was playing, but two teams would typically face off against each other with two goals at either end. Players use sticks with netted pockets to pass a small ball back and forth while trying to score goals against their opponents.
Modern Lacrosse
Lacrosse has become popular throughout North America, Europe, and beyond. The modern version is much faster-paced than its traditional counterpart, with teams consisting of 10 players—including goalies—on each side.
Professional leagues have been established across the continent, including Major League Lacrosse (MLL) in North America. Also, international tournaments such as the FIL World Championship are held every four years for countries around the world to compete against each other in this exciting sport.
Conclusion
It’s no surprise that lacrosse has become so popular today; it’s an exciting sport with roots deep in Native American culture and tradition. Who would have thought that such a simple game played hundreds of years ago would eventually become one of the most widely-played sports today?
