kites essays

kites essays Kites have been around for centuries and have been used for many purposes from recreation to warfare. They soar high in the sky with beautiful patterns and wonderful ease. However, there is a lot that goes into the ease and grace of kites in order to make them fly like birds. Kites gave us the balloon, the glider, and the airplane and have captivated the hearts of the young and the old for centuries. Kites have brought pleasure to numerous builders and fliers of any age, occupation, and country. Kites were originally from Asia and are thought to be invented in China over three thousand years ago. The name kite means a graceful bird of prey. Supposedly the Chinese military used to attach bamboo pipes to the kites. When the wind passed through the kites it would create a noise, which would cause the troops to flee. There are many rituals that involve kites, most of which are religious. The Chinese build kites to represent dragons, which represent Chinese folklore. In Malaysia, kites flying over a house at night are believed to keep away evil spirits(Baker 8). In Korea, when a child is born, his or her name is inscribed onto a kite and let into the wind. Supposedly, the evil spirits and bad luck fly away with the kite. Moreover, kites were used in warfare. People in Asia flew materials over bodies of water, such as ropes, in order to build bridges. Large kites could even lift humans, which meant they could be used in warfare(Baker 8). In 169 B.C. it is said that a Chinese general sent soldiers on kites to observe how long a tunnel would need to be to reach the city walls. Old Japanese prints show archeries suspended from kites shooting down at the enemy beneath(Baker 8). Kites were also useful in World War II. Rafts were equipped with box kites (Gibson Girl) that had radio antennas so that they could send out S.O.S. signals. Kites did not attract serious attention until the 1...