Mahjong Mania: Hollywood's Latest Grandma Hobby

Mahjong is experiencing a significant resurgence, driven by a post-pandemic yearning for social connection and endorsements from influential celebrities. Larry David's comedic endorsement and Meghan Markle's mahjong group highlight the game's growing appeal. This renewed interest has transformed mahjong into a trendy "grandma hobby," with tile sets becoming highly sought-after collector's items, some fetching up to $20,000 on the secondary market.

The game, which originated in 19th-century China, saw earlier popularity in the 1920s and again in the mid-20th century. Its current explosion is linked to its social convening power and the aesthetic appeal of its tiles. However, the increasing commercialization by primarily white-owned companies, featuring non-traditional motifs, has led to accusations of cultural appropriation and whitewashing, as seen with the Hallmark film "All's Fair in Love & Mahjong."

Despite controversy, mahjong's cross-cultural popularity continues to grow. Instructors are teaching diverse groups, emphasizing the game's blend of luck and skill. New ventures like podcasts and exclusive clubs are emerging, further cementing mahjong's place in popular culture, with some viewing it as social strategy disguised as a game.