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Like ouija boards, the "light as a feather" party trick has been a staple sleepover game for years. In fact, it’s been played for centuries![1] In this “supernatural” game, a single person is lifted solely by the fingers of four or five people surrounding them. Is it levitation? The power of suggestion? Magnetic forces? A specific combination of muscle tension, balance and distribution of weight? Whatever the explanation, it certainly looks magical!
Steps
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Lay the person you're going to lift flat on the ground, with their arms crossed over their chest. You may want to put blankets or pillows underneath them, both for their comfort and their protection in case they are dropped.[2] The lifters should kneel or sit beside the liftee, preferably with one person at each shoulder and one person at each knee. If you have a fifth person, they should kneel at the liftee’s head.
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Make one of the lifters the leader. This is usually the party host, but it can be anyone who knows the game well. They are in charge of guiding the group through the trick, so they must know how to do the trick from start to finish.
- It helps if the leader is a bit theatrical. The leader has to tell the group about the spooky, supernatural origins of the game, and it's much more fun if they really sell it!
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Clasp your hands together. Release your two pointer fingers, which will be the only fingers you use to lift. The lifters should then place both fingers underneath the liftee’s shoulders or knees, depending on where they are seated. If there is a fifth lifter at the head, they can place one finger beneath either shoulder.
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Perform a test lift. The leader should instruct everyone to give it a try[3] but there should be no countdown or special set-up. Simply attempt to lift. You probably won’t be able to move the lift very high, if at all. They will feel too heavy to lift with just two fingers.
- At this point, the leader should tell the group that it isn't working because the liftee hasn't become "possessed" yet. Because the group hasn't performed they mystical chant yet, the spirits have not been summoned. Now, it's time to get serious.
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Prepare to lift again. Once you’ve established how difficult it is to lift the person, it’s time to employ some simple "mind over matter" tricks to increase your strength- or at least, increase the mystical nature of the game! This is also a good time for the leader to explain the concept behind the game.
- The leader can be creative with the explanation. For example, the leader can explain that the person’s body will be overtaken by the spirit of a deceased person, turning corpse-like and levitating. Make it as creepy or funny as you’d like!
- Dimming the lights and adding candles can add to the supernatural quality of the trick.
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Place your hands over the head of the person being lifted. Hands should alternate so that each persons hands are separated by another persons. Press down on the liftee’s head- lightly, of course! The leader should tell the group that they are opening the liftee's body to supernatural influences with this step, and at this time the outside spirits are entering the body and making it light. Remove your hands from the stack and place them again under the liftee.
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Repeat in unison, "Light as a feather, stiff as a board.” You may have also heard the variation, “Light as a feather, strong as an ox.” Together, repeat this over and over again. The liftee should be perfectly still, with their eyes closed. As you chant, slowly start to lift.
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Lift the person while continuing to chant. This time around, they should lift with ease. Then, slowly lower them back to the ground as you continue to recite the words. The leader should command the “spirits” to exit their body and voila- you’ve completed the trick!
Community Q&A
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QuestionIs the game dangerous? Can it hurt anyone?
Community AnswerIf you drop the person then it may hurt, but as long as the liftee stays still and the lifters are focused on not dropping the person, it should be okay. -
QuestionHow many times should I say "light as a feather stiff as a board"?
Community AnswerKeep repeating the phrase as many times as needed until you are done lifting the person. -
QuestionHow did the game Light as a Feather start?
Community AnswerIt's uncertain, but it has been recorded being played as early as 17th Century London as a way to attempt to stave off the plague.
Video
Tips
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During the test lift, the group of lifters is typically skeptical and unfocused. There is no rhythm established with chanting, so the lifters will probably not be lifting in unison. The lift works the second time because everyone is focused, there is a tempo established in the group, and the lifters will be working at the exact same time. Because the weight is distributed evenly and everyone is lifting together, it is much easier.[4]Thanks
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Remember, your fingers are stronger than you realize. In fact, the Guinness World Record for heaviest deadlift with a pinkie finger is 148 pounds![5]Thanks
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The stiffness of the liftee also helps this trick work. As the lifters chant the words, the liftee will become stiff and focused. When their body is rigid and their muscles tensed, the lifting becomes much easier.Thanks
Warnings
- If you choose to light candles to set the mood, make sure they are far away from the blankets and are blown out after the trick is completed.Thanks
- Be careful not to drop the person you are lifting.Thanks
Things You'll Need
- Four or five people to lift: the “lifters”
- 1 person to be lifted: the “liftee”
- Pillows or blankets
- Optional: candles or dim lighting
References
- ↑ http://www.pepysdiary.com/diary/1665/07/31/
- ↑ http://urbanlegendsonline.com/light-as-a-feather-stiff-as-a-board/
- ↑ http://www.abc.net.au/science/articles/2008/05/27/2257305.htm
- ↑ http://www.abc.net.au/science/articles/2008/05/27/2257305.htm
- ↑ http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/heaviest-weight-lifted-with-little-fingers
About This Article
Light as a feather, stiff as a board, is a fun party trick you can play with your friends. To perform the trick, have one volunteer lie down on a soft carpeted area. Then, gather as many friends as you can and invite them to spread out around the person lying down. The more people you can get to participate, the more likely the trick will work. Ask the person lying down to cross their arms across their chest and be as still and stiff as possible. Then, instruct your friends to hold out their index and middle fingers and follow your lead. Ask everyone to slide their fingers underneath the person on the ground and begin chanting, “Light as a feather, stiff as a board” together over and over again. As you chant, slowly increase your lifting effort with your fingers. Tell your friends that the “spirits” are going to help them raise this person up. If everyone lifts with the same amount of pressure, the person’s weight will be evenly distributed across everyone’s fingers and they should slowly lift off of the ground like they’re levitating. Once they're a few inches off of the ground, slowly lower them back down. Like the Ouija board or “Bloody Mary,” light as a feather, stiff as a board is often played on Halloween under the pretense of a magic ritual, so feel free to play it up like you’re inviting spirits to help you all lift your friend! For tips on making the experience feel spooky and supernatural, read on!
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