Question: In which country did curling originate?
Show answer
Scotland.
Curling, known for its distinctive equipment and strategic gameplay, originated in Scotland during the medieval period. The earliest historical references to curling date back to the 16th century in written records, but it’s believed that the sport had been played on frozen ponds and lochs in Scotland for several centuries prior.
Early forms of curling involved sliding large, flat river stones across the ice, with the players using brooms to clear a path. The term “curling” comes from the old Scots language and refers to the unique curving trajectory the stone makes when sliding across the ice.
Despite its humble beginnings, curling spread across the globe through Scottish immigration. Scottish soldiers also played a role in spreading the sport to other countries. When they were stationed abroad during winter, they would often play curling to pass the time.
Now, curling is an internationally recognized sport, played in countries worldwide with cold climates, such as Canada, Norway, and Switzerland. It was officially added to the Olympic Winter Games in 1998, and mixed doubles curling was added in 2018.
Despite its global reach today, the sport remains closely tied to its Scottish origins, both in terms of the rules of play and its cultural significance. The World Curling Federation, which oversees international competition, is based in Perth, Scotland.
