A social phenomenon: Mahjong's resurgence in Birmingham
Mahjong, an ancient Chinese game, is experiencing a resurgence in popularity across the Birmingham metro area, with local meetups and lessons drawing enthusiasts eager to learn and socialize.
Every Monday morning, the O'Neal Library in Mountain Brook hosts a mahjong meetup.
"It's exciting, it's fun and it's fast paced," said Katie Moellering, adult services department manager at the library.
Mahjong is played with 152 tiles featuring three different suits: cracks, bams and dots. The objective is to match 14 tiles to form a line. Despite its complexity, the game has captivated players nationwide, including those in Birmingham.
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"People are chomping at the bit to play mahjong," Moellering said. "A lot of the people here also have neighborhood groups play, or they play at their country club, or they play church or somewhere with other people."
The library has been hosting Mahj Mondays for about a year, offering a space for play and lessons, with a current two-month waiting list for lessons. Ina Mae Sher, who took lessons at the library, has helped start a group in Vestavia Hills that meets every Wednesday at the Vestavia Hills Civic Center.
"I told her it was the in-thing and maybe she could find a place for Vestavia people to come and play," Sher said.
Before starting with mahjong, lessons are recommended, which is where Mary Chapman May and Hannah Haygood saw a business opportunity. They founded "Bird, Bam, Bham" to teach mahjong across the area.
"I texted her and I was like, 'I just feel like we have to do this.' And she was on board," May said.
"There's definitely a demand. It is picking up. Everyone wants to learn," Haygood said.
The rise in mahjong's popularity is attributed to its aesthetic appeal.
"It got so cute, honestly," May said.
"The cuteness of it drew me in," added another enthusiast.
"I love the beauty of it," said Krislin Smith.
"It looks good. And you know, it's not just like a deck of cards laying out. It's pretty tiles that just look pretty all the time," May said.
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For those interested, mahjong products range from colorful tiles to mats and bags.
"If you go on Instagram, if you have an interest in mahjong, you'll be shocked at how many different companies," Smith said.
Despite the game's complexity, players are encouraged to dive in.
"The best thing you can do is not stress over it. You're not buying a car. You're just playing mahjong," said Louise Walton, a mahjong player.
At the heart of these meetups are the social connections.
"I wanted to meet new people, and I think that's part of it. I think we all wanted to meet new people and have fun playing," Sher said.
"I love the idea that I can get together with friends, or make new friends or reunite with old friends," Smith added.
"Women always want to get together and have some fun kind of socializing time together. And it's your new moms bunco group," Haygood said.
Many Mahjong meet-ups around the area are open to the public. Here is more information on the groups in and