If history is to be believed kites originated in Shandong, the easternmost province of China, more than 2000 years ago. Way back then they were used in various ways, from the ‘wooden black-eared kites’ that could hold the weight of a soldier for military surveillance purposes, to seventh-century Buddhist monks who used them to bless their harvests and distract evil spirits in the sky. There’s even a tale about a man who used a very large kite to get to the top of a castle, where he then stole a golden statue. How he got down, or whether the heist was successful we’ll never know, but it’s a good story.
Fast forward a few centuries and we’re still fascinated with kites. In fact, all around the world countries hold national kite days celebrating the simple joy and splendor of this age old tradition. There’s even an old Chinese saying that goes something along the lines of: “Those who fly a kite can have a long life”.
I can’t vouch for kites giving you a long life, but for an activity that is relatively inexpensive and accessible to everyone, it’s hugely beneficial, from an educational point of view, as well as on an emotional and physical level.
