Chinese inventions ran the gamut from fun to practical. The kite was invented in ancient China around 3,000 years ago and initially had purely utilitarian uses. Over time kite flying developed into a hobby for the Chinese elite and kite flying is now enjoyed worldwide.
No one really knows when the first kite was flown, but legend has it that a Chinese farmer tied his hat to a string to keep it from blowing away and as a result, the first kite was created. It is also speculated that kites came to be as a result of observing wind in the sails of Chinese fishing boats. A further speculation is that the first kite was simply a huge leaf with a long string attached.
Chinese kites are important not just in Chinese history, but in world history as well since it is believed that the invention of the kite was an important step in the invention of the airplane. In fact, in the National Aeronautics and Space Museum in Washington D.C. a plaque reads, “The earliest aircraft are the kites and missiles of China.”
The Military History of Kites in China
Early Chinese kites were not toys. They were initially used for military purposes. The first written account of kite flying took place in China around 200 B.C. during the Han Dynasty when the Chinese General Han Xin flew a kite over the wall of a city he planned to attack. He did so to measure the distance his army would need to tunnel in order to get past the defenses.
Some of the first kites were very large in size, constructed out of wood, and were sturdy enough to carry soldiers up into the air where they could observe enemy movements. Chinese soldiers also hovered above the enemy in kites fromwhich they used bows and arrows to attack their enemy.
Other Chinese military uses of kites included the distribution of propaganda and the communication of SOS messages. Kites were also flown over the enemy’s camp and exploded with the purpose of confusing the enemy.
Construction and Design of Chinese Kites
The first Chinese kites were made out of wood, but once paper was invented, paper kits became popular. Bamboo and silk are also used in kite construction.
Popular designs for Chinese kites include fish, birds, insects, animals, human figures, and Chinese characters. A lot of the designs represent good luck. For example, both the pine tree and crane symbolize longevity and are popular designs on Chinese kites.
Chinese kites vary in size, with the smallest ones being around a foot long and the largest ones being over 300 yards.
Some Chinese kites also have bamboo flutes attached to them so that when flown, they emit a beautiful sound.
Kites Are an Important Part of Chinese Life and Culture
In ancient China, superstition was an important aspect of kite flying. For example, during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) it was believed that flying a kite and then letting it go was a way to let go of trouble, bad luck, and illness. It was considered bad luck to pick up a kite that was lost by someone else. Kites were also used in religious ceremonies.
Kites became a form of recreation during the Tang Dynasty among the royal family and aristocrats. Once the lower-cost paper kites were invented, the popularity of kites spread to the common Chinese.
Today the Shandon Province boasts the Weifang Kite Festival, an event that takes place in April every year in China. People come from around the world to participate in the Weifang kite festival.
References:
The Invention of Kites in China
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