How would you like to build a time machine? Paper, sticks, glue and string are all you need. Put them together to build a kite. A kite connects you to the past.
No one knows who flew the first kite. It was probably someone in China or perhaps Indonesia. Indonesia. Indonesian fishermen hung fishhooks on kites and sent them out to sea to catch fish. Starting 2,000years ago, Chinese farmers flew kites to welcome the New Year and bring good luck to Earth.
In China, people also used kites during wartime. One Chinese story tells how soldiers put noise makers on kites and flew them at night over the enemy camp. The enemies were frightened by the noise and ran away.
About 1,300 years ago, Chinese travelers took kites to Japan. Soon kites filled the skies there. Kites reached Thailand about 700 years ago. During floods, Thai farmers flew kites over their fields. They hoped the kites would drive away the clouds and stop the rain. Over time, kites flew their way out of Asia. Today, kites are a passion all over the world. Kite fens meet at festivals in many parts of the world and have great fun.
Over the years, Kites have also helped people understand the natural world. In 1749, for example, thermometers were tied to kites to measure temperatures. In 1906, cameras hanging from kites took pictures of San Francisco, California after an earthquake. The photos helped people plan what to do.
Kites also helped inventors find out how to make airplanes. The Wright brothers studied how kites flew, which helped them make the first successful airplane.
Since the ancient Chinese first set their kites into the air, people have loved flying kites. Kites give us ways to celebrate, relax and explore. So go fly a kite! Enjoy the feeling of wonder that kite flyers have felt for centuries.
