Kite Flying

Go fly kite!

Kite flying is one of the more popular traditional game in Asia. The reason for its popularity, I suppose, is how the kites display the creator's artistic flair, or simply because they look so graceful fluttering against the blue skies.

Our group has conducted a survey before, and even though kite flying has been voted for as the most popular traditional game (the other games being congkak, gasing and chapteh), there is no doubt that kite flying is waning in popularity too.

A walk down areas like the beaches can testify to that. How often do you come across people who are still flying kites? Granted, there are some who do, but the number is dwindling.

Kite flying is not as boring as it seems. In many Asian countries, kite flying often takes the form of kite fighting, where people try to snag others' kites down. The difference between a fighter kite and a normal kite is that the fighter kite usually does not come with a tail, to allow the fighter kites to be more agile to take down the kites of other participants.

You may have noticed some signs that say "No Kites" or the likes alone the Marine Parade area (was it?) This is because the kite and the line (or the string attached to the kite) might infringe on the airspace of certain aircraft.

Most traditional kites consist of two flexible sticks tied together in the form of a "+". Paper, or any other suitable material is then used to drape over the sticks. Even though it is simple, the kites are able to fly to great heights. Truly reflects our forefathers' ingenuity, huh?