The influence of tradition has also been observed in the drawings of children of different cultures. These drawings are influenced by the handwriting conventions of the cultural group with which the child is identified. In a comparative study of Arab and American children, it was found that Arab children place their drawings at the top right of the page far more often than at the left, while for the American children, the reverse is true: Arabic writing is from right to left, and American writing is from left to right. Comparison has revealed that the drawings of Bedouin children are, by tradition, small compared with those of American children of the same age. Bedouin drawings average approximately 2 inches, while those of Americans average approximately 6. Traditionally, drawings of Bedouin children show rectangular human trunks and an absence of clothing; those of American children show clothed and rounded trunks.
The influence of tradition is also apparent in the fact that there are seasonal patterns in children's play. Roller skates, jumping ropes, jacks, and bicycles come out with the first warm days of spring. Summer brings a shift of interest to wading, swimming, and boating; then the cool days of fall renew the child's interest in the more active play enjoyed during the spring months. With the approach of winter, the child looks forward to snow for sledding, snowball fighting, ice skating, and-in rural districts—sleigh riding.
Games and sports are likewise influenced by the seasonal factor. As a general rule, the more active games are reserved for the cooler months of the year, and those that require less exertion for the warmer months. Baseball, for example, is regarded as a spring and summer sport, while football and hockey are reserved for fall and early winter.
In spite of the cultural variations in traditional play, the differences are mainly variations in emphasis. Certain aspects of the play are emphasized to conform to the values of the particular culture. Children in all cultures draw, but what they draw and how they draw vary from one culture to another. Blindman's buff, in different forms, is played in many countries in Europe. Tag, in different forms, is played in Burma, Iraq, and the Sahara Desert, as well as in most European countries.
Tradition determines what is sex-appropriate play, regardless of children's preferences. Among the lower-income groups, tradition plays a more important role than among the higher-income groups. In the latter, more money can be spent for new and different toys, and travel and social mobility bring the child in contact with more children of different cultural groups.