The embroidered balls are typically made from brightly colored silk threads, and they are often adorned with intricate patterns and designs that can include floral motifs, animals and geometric shapes.
Historically, these embroidered balls were used as romantic tokens among the young people of the Zhuang ethnic group. During traditional festivals, young women would throw these balls to young men as an expression of interest or affection. If a man caught the ball thrown by a woman, it was seen as a sign of mutual interest, and this could initiate courtship.
Today, while the romantic connotations of the embroidered balls may not be as prevalent, they are still celebrated for their aesthetic beauty and cultural importance. They are popular souvenirs and are also used in festive decorations and ceremonial occasions.
Historically, the local embroidered ball business has primarily relied on retail sales through physical stores and a limited number of custom orders. This has prevented the formation of a distinctive brand or the promotion of these items in specialized shops. Factors like poor transportation infrastructure have hindered the development of the industry.