Chinese Kites: Origin, History, Types, Celebration and Symbolism

This article explores the origin, history, types, celebration and symbolism of Chinese kites. It discusses the cultural significance of kites in China and their popularity across the globe. The article also provides information on the WeiFang International Kite Festival held every year in the Shandong district.

Running head: CHINESE KITES
Chinese Kites
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author Notes

1CHINESE KITES
Table of Contents
Origin of Chinese kites...............................................................................................................2
History of Chinese kites.............................................................................................................2
Different types of Chinese kites.................................................................................................3
Celebration and symbolism of Chinese kites.............................................................................4
Reference....................................................................................................................................5

2CHINESE KITES
Origin of Chinese kites
The modern day kites has been believed to originate from China, from where it got
various form of modification. The kites were first invented in the early stage of Warring
States Period (475-221 B.C). Idea of kite was given by two philosophers Mozi and Lu Ban1.
They got influenced by the teachings of Confucius and it helped them in the phase of
developing new culture. Making of kites were only confined to the Chinese Society for
several years after its origin.
One of the major purpose of inventing kites during the period, were due to the
military activity purpose. Many foreign powers from the Western region attacked the Chinese
society, which also was responsible for civil unrest. The main purpose of inventing the first
Chinese kites was to measure distance. This is considered to be an essential information for
the Chinese army for transportation of resources across difficult terrain. Other major purpose
of originating kites included providing communication signal for far away ship flags at sea
and record readings. Due to its practical applicability Chinese military society the use of the
kites became popular soon after its origin and invention2.
History of Chinese kites
As mentioned in earlier section, main purpose of inventing kite was to enhance and
developed the ancient Chinese culture, which was highly influenced by the teachings of
Confucius. As the first kite was developed some 2300 years ago in the province of Shandong,
it became an essential cultural symbol for the Warrying Emperor3. Detailed information about
the history of Chinese kites can be found from the book of Hong Shu. The first idea of kites
came with that of the flying of heron and egret bird flying.
1"History Of Chinese Kites." Chinakites.org. N.p., 2018. Web. 1 Apr. 2018.
2 Cai, Jinghong. "Centuries-Old Chinese Art: With an Italian Twist." Art Education 70.6 (2017): 43-48.
3Cai, Jinghong. "Centuries-Old Chinese Art: With an Italian Twist." Art Education 70.6
(2017): 43-48.

3CHINESE KITES
Additional information about the history of Chinese kites can be found from the travel
writings of Marco Polo. As he brought the Chinese kites while returning to Italy through the
silk route, the concept of the kite became popular within the European society. The idea later
transferred to the American society, where it was believed that the concept of first flight
pavilion was inspired from the design of Chinese kites.
After its origin, the flying of Kites became an important symbol and activity of the
New Year celebration within the Chinese community of the Ancient days. As it started to
become popular, various new ideas about manufacturing kites were introduced. This helped
in the introduction of ideas in different forms of Kites.
Different types of Chinese kites
The different type of Kites can be classified according to their shape and type of
materials that are being used.
Centipede Kites: These kites have the shape of Dragon head with the train like chain
behind it. The head and the tale of the kite are interconnected with 3 lines. The size of this
kites are generally quite large in compared to other types due to their attractive nature.
WeiFang devised this form of kites and was the main source of attraction of Chinese festival
during the ancient periods4.
Hard winged kites: As the name itself suggest the frame of the kite is made out of
hard bamboos. The Central of the kite is highly rigid, which enables it to fly at higher ranges
and which stand the high wind speed. The sale of the kite is generally manufactured of silk.
Soft Winged kites: This type of Kites are generally famous for their rigid upper rims.
The lower section of the kites are generally kept flexible. This type of Kites are generally
manufactured in the shape of birds, insects or fishes5.
4Yan, Hong-Sen. Reconstruction designs of lost ancient Chinese machinery. Vol. 3. Springer
Science & Business Media, 2007.
5"History Of Chinese Kites." Chinakites.org. N.p., 2018. Web. 1 Apr. 2018.

4CHINESE KITES
Flat Kites: The flat kites are constructed in a single plane, which are generally made
out of bamboo. This is the most common type of Kites that are used in modern days. The flat
kites can also have different subcategory depending upon their shapes and colours.
Celebration and symbolism of Chinese kites
As mentioned in the earlier section, the popularity of the kites were mainly due to
their cultural significance. In the modern days, the WeiFang International Kite Festival held
every year in the month of April in the Shandong district6. Representatives from different
nations including UK, Italy Japan and USA take part in this festival. It is therefore regarded
as a source of cultural and symbolic unity of different nations across the globe. Thousands of
visitors across the globe are also attracted during the Kite Festival, which is also helping to
boost up the economy of the nation and promote cultural awareness.
There is also high symbolic values of the kites that are being used as a part of cultural
Unity across different nations. The shapes and the design that are used in the manufacturing
of modern Chinese kites help to preserve the ancient tradition. The symbols of the same helps
in signifying and representation the strength of ancient Chinese culture.
6Ji-zhen, Z. H. A. N. G. "Exploitation of folk sports cultural resources and the development of
local social economy——Economic benefit analysis of Weifang International Kite Festival."
Journal of Shandong Institute of Physical Education and Sports 2 (2009): 003.

5CHINESE KITES
Reference
"History Of Chinese Kites." Chinakites.org. N.p., 2018. Web. 1 Apr. 2018.
Cai, Jinghong. "Centuries-Old Chinese Art: With an Italian Twist." Art Education 70.6
(2017): 43-48.
Ji-zhen, Z. H. A. N. G. "Exploitation of folk sports cultural resources and the development of
local social economy——Economic benefit analysis of Weifang International Kite Festival."
Journal of Shandong Institute of Physical Education and Sports 2 (2009): 003.
Yan, Hong-Sen. Reconstruction designs of lost ancient Chinese machinery. Vol. 3. Springer
Science & Business Media, 2007.