National Kite Flying Day
National Kite Flying Day, which is celebrated annually on February 8th, encourages kite flying and making. Enthusiasts around the country commemorate the day by launching their kites or making reservations to attend festivals.
Kites date back to China in 470 B.C., and China is brimming with lore and history of the kite. Many of the trees' leaves are related to the way wind affects the leaves on the trees, the shelters they lived in, blowing away the sails on their ships, and the hats they wore on their heads. Kites can also be used to spy on their enemies or send emails, according to the stories.
The people of the South Sea Islands were using kites for fishing at the same time as Chinese people, according to evidence.
Early kites were made from bamboo or strong reeds for framing. Ideal sails were made of leaves, silk, or paper. Vines or braided fabrics completed the line or tether. Although people initially used kites as tools, they also used them for ceremonial reasons as well. Kites had a symbolic place in the culture whether they sent messages into the heavens or to lift offerings up to the gods.
Today kites are both as hobbies and for outdoor fun. They range from simple diamond kites to more advanced box kites and giant sled kites. The kite's, also known as sport kites, are made so the operator can maneuver the kite into dips, twists, and dives with dramatic effect.
Getting your kite up in the air and keeping it there are some tips for getting your kite up in the air and keeping it there
- Be sure the kite is assembled correctly
- Check the wind. Some kites need more wind and others less. The right day for your kite is vital. A light breeze (5-20 mph) is usually preferable
- Be safe. Don't fly a kite across power lines, trees, or other sky-high obstacles. The best are wide-open spaces
- Be safe. Don't fly in the rain
- Be sure to have your back to the wind when launching the kite. If the wind is light, have a friend hold the kite downwind and hold your line taught, reeling in slowly until the kite launches
- Don't let the line get out too quickly. The kite is gaining altitude as the line is being carried out at the same rate
How to celebrate #nationalkiteflyingday
- Fly a kite
- Make a kite
- months to come, Scout out kite festivals will be held in the months to come
- A kite flying lesson in Host is included in this series
- Learn about the science behind kite flying
- To post on social media, use the hashtag #NationalKiteFlyingDay
Kite FAQ
Q. What is the world's biggest kite? Abdulrahman Al Farsi and Faris Al Farsi flew the world's biggest kite on February 15, 2005, according to Guinness World Records. The kite flew at the Kuwait Hala Festival in Kuwait City, measuring 25.4 meters (83 feet 7 inches) long and 40 meters (131 feet 3 inches) wide.
Q. Is kite flying a sport?
A. Flying kites is very competitive. Both the Kite design and the altitude a kite achieves are important for competition. In addition, flying kites can be a physically demanding activity.
Q. What are the biggest kite festivals?
A. In North America, the Washington State International Kite Festival hosts the country's biggest kite gathering each year.
