tangram etymology

Etymology

The word "tangram" is a combination of the Chinese words "tan" (七), meaning "seven", and "gram" (巧板), meaning "skillful board". It literally translates to "seven skillful boards".

Meaning and Origin

Tangram is a dissection puzzle consisting of seven geometric shapes: one square, one parallelogram, two large triangles, two small triangles, and one rhombus. The goal is to arrange these shapes to form a variety of other shapes, objects, and figures.

The tangram puzzle originated in China during the Song Dynasty (960-1279). It is believed to have been developed from a game called "Shi-Chao-Tu" ("ten thousand different shapes"). The tangram was originally used as a teaching tool to develop spatial reasoning and problem-solving skills.

Spread and Popularity

Tangram puzzles became popular outside of China in the 19th century, after they were introduced to Europe by missionaries and traders. They gained widespread recognition in the 20th century, when they were featured in puzzle books and games.

Today, tangram puzzles are enjoyed by people of all ages around the world. They are used in schools, homes, and activity clubs to promote creativity, spatial reasoning, and problem-solving abilities.

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