Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

pencils

The Charlie Charlie challenge has gone mega-viral, but what on earth is it?

Pencils and mystery…

charlie4 Vine Vine

YESTERDAY MORNING, SOMETHING called The Charlie Charlie Challenge was one of the top trends in Ireland.

charlie2

In fact, it was the number one trend worldwide. And it’s still going strong.

charlie3

But what the blazes is it?

Well, that’s the question that seems to be plaguing everybody.

charlie

Allow us to explain.

So, what is it?

pencil YouTube YouTube

Essentially, it’s an old Mexican game that involves calling on a spiritual being named Charlie. It is allegedly also known as “the pencil game”.

Traditionally, the game involves two participants holding three pencils each. Each person holds three pencils to make three sides of a square and the six pencils are joined up.

The two participants then say, “Charlie, Charlie, can we play?” If the pencil tilts upwards or inwards, then the story goes that the mythical being is prepared to talk to you. If not, then he’s not up for chats right now.

From then, you can ask yes or no questions.

Okay, so is that is what is happening now?

charlie4 Vine Vine

Kind of.

The rules seem to have been changed slightly with participants instead placing two pencils in a cross shape on a sheet of paper covered in four square — two marked ‘yes’ and two marked ‘no’.

Otherwise, it’s completely the same.

And why has it suddenly become so popular?

Well, it appears to have originated on Vine and exploded from there.

Here are a few examples.
http://vine.co/v/eqQ7g6IHw3A
http://vine.co/v/eq0621ni96r

It has also spawned a lot of parodies.

And do people actually believe it?

Well, some people are skeptical and speculating that people are just blowing on the pencils to make them move.

No way, we don’t believe it.

But other people are totally losing their chill over it.

Our advice?

Stay away if you’re scared of pencils.

Written by Amy O’Connor and originally published on DailyEdge.ie 

DE Syndication

The ‘Dancing Man’ who was body-shamed online finally got his party >

This man had the sweetest surprise for his wife on their 57th anniversary >

Your Voice
Readers Comments
22
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.