Kites are devices that are meant to be flown in the air at the end of a string. Making kites and flying kites is an enjoyable and relaxing activity, as well as a competitive sport in many parts of the world. As a matter of fact, most kite flying festivals all across Asia have “kite fights,” which is a revered and an ancient tradition where participants try to down their opponents’ kites by cutting their lines. This is accomplished by using small, highly maneuverable “fighter kites” that are attached to glass-coated “cutting lines.” These specialized “cutting lines” are used to cut the lines of competing kites.

In Korea, men, women and children fly kites during the first few days of the New Year. Kite flying is also something to look forward to, and an important part of the boys’ festival, which is held each May in Japan, and in China, one day each year is commemorated as Kites’ Day. On those days, thousands of kites fashioned like fish, butterflies and dragons take to the air and float over the cities and towns. Thailand also supports an International Kite Festival in which all kites fall into one of two categories: chula (male) or pakpao (female) kites. The kites are immense and require several people to fly them. There are also kite-flying contests held every year in the United States and Canada.

Types of Kites

There are numerous assorted forms of kites. The simplest kind of kites is the two-stick solitary plane bow kite. It can be bought ready-made or it can be put together from do-it-yourself kits or made completely by hand. For simple kites the sticks can be of any strong lightwood with a straight grain. The covering material can be ordinary brown wrapping paper, or a lightweight cloth, such as silk or nylon. Plastic sheeting of various kinds are also used. In addition, cloth is used for the tail and a string for the flight line. There are more advanced types of kites that can be assembled.

The box kite consists basically of two rectangular boxes, open on two parallel sides each and connected by a common framework. Lawrence Hargrave conceived of the original design in the 1890’s. Box kites are more difficult to build than stick kites, but they are outstanding flyers and will keep their place for long periods. Box kites also adapt well to variations in the breeze, and they do not require a tail.

How to Fly Kites

Kites fly, like airplanes, on the aerodynamic principle of wind pressure against a heavier-than-air object. The motor and propeller of the airplane create a wind pressure as they move the plane through the air. When the pressure is strong enough to conquer gravity, the plane is pushed up and allowed to remain aloft. The same effect of wind pressure is created by the kite flyer as he runs across an open field. As the kite moves in opposition to the wind, the string tips the face of the kite onward. The wind pushes up on this tipped face and raises the kite, just as a wedge pressed beneath an object lifts it up.

Jim Remington is a researcher and writer working for http://www.akiratoys.com, where you can get all the best kites, spinners, and toys at the best prices. Visit us for all your chinese kites needs.

- Jim Remington

Posted on February 24th, 2008 by
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