| In many cultures around the world, the custom of | | | | From the classic flat geometric form of a |
| kite flying has been passed from generation to | | | | polyester diamond kite, modern designers have |
| generation almost as a ritual. Kites have been | | | | created kites that have three-dimensional forms |
| introduced more than three thousand years ago in | | | | or are made of sparless inflatable designs. |
| China and from there the kite flying experience | | | | In recent years, kite flying has developed into a |
| traveled throughout Asia, Europe, and later in | | | | competitive sport where precision flying skills and |
| America, Australia and other countries around the | | | | artistic interpretation are required. But for the rest |
| globe. From the years of Benjamin Franklin and | | | | of the world, kite festivals have become a |
| Alexander Graham Bell to the World War II, kites | | | | popular form of entertainment. These can be |
| have been used in scientific experiments or as | | | | small local events, like traditional festivals, |
| lifting tools for military purposes. Today, kite flying | | | | practiced by the local citizens for hundreds of |
| and its contemporary successors, like kite | | | | years, to international festivities which bring in kite |
| buggying, kite sailing/surfing, or kite jumping, are | | | | flyers from distant countries to display their |
| considered to be joyful, relatively inexpensive and | | | | techniques and distinct kite art forms. Moreover, |
| unique recreational activities practiced around the | | | | with kite museums all around the world, kites are |
| world, almost all year around. | | | | exposed to the eyes of the public and attract |
| The traditional kite flying involves flying a tethered | | | | thousands of new practitioners every year. The |
| man-made object with the help of the natural | | | | world kite museum in Weifang Shandong China, |
| wind. The necessary lift that permits the kite to | | | | the famous international kite capital, is the largest |
| fly into the open space is generated when airflow | | | | one in the world featuring a display area of more |
| over and under the kite creates the right amount | | | | than 8,100 sq.m. |
| of low pressure above the kite and high pressure | | | | If you have never tried to fly a kite, perhaps |
| underneath it. Those practicing kite flying state | | | | next time you are out in the open you should |
| that running against the wind while holding the | | | | attempt to have your own personal experience. If |
| string that connects the center of the kite with | | | | you decide to experiment with kite flying, please |
| the surface is a unique experience that one has | | | | be very careful of the area you select to try this |
| to practice in order to fully comprehend. Typically | | | | type of recreational activity. Remember that |
| consisting of one or more spars (sticks), made by | | | | electricity polls or mountain cliffs can prove to be |
| bamboo, rattan, or other flexible but strong | | | | a rather disastrous and dangerous experience not |
| materials to hold the pressure powers exercised | | | | only for the kite, but most importantly for you! |
| by the wind, classic kites use paper or light fabric | | | | Be careful and enjoy your new kite flying |
| sails, such as silk, and are made in different | | | | recreational activity with family and friends. |
| shapes and/or themes, such as birds or dragons. | | | | Practice and see your kite flying skills "fly up high! |