Kites and Kite Running

McKenzie 1

Ben McKen
12 November,2007

Kite running has been a passion as well as a tradition for people of all ages all over the world. Particularly in Korea, Japan, and Afghanistan. But why? Why is kite running done all over the world and what point does it serve?

In Korean history, kite flying is traced back to 637 A.D., during the first year of the reign of General Kim Yu-Sin. He used a kite to calm the agitated population. He launched a kite in the night sky over Kyongju, where most of the population was gathered at that time. The kite had a large cotton ball attached that was burning, causing the superstitious people to think it was a falling star soaring up in the sky, and that their misfortunes would soon come to a close. Another general in Korean history, General Ch'oe Yong, of the 14th-century utilized kites for shooting fire arms. Admiral Yi Sun-sin used kites in the 16th century as a fast way to inform the naval troops of his strategic instructions, flying kites having different pictures signaling tactics to use, while fighting the Japanese invaders.

In Japan not much is known about why or how kite running is done or its origin. But we do know that it was most likely done for religious purposes. Whatever the origin, kite flying remains an obsession in Japan even today, with the whole month of March being appropriated for kite flying festivals.

Kite flying in Afghanistan was a traditional sport for decades until it became banned in the mid-1990s under Taliban rule. But since the end of 2001 it has made a comeback; sales in shops along Kabul’s “Kite Street” are booming (Martinez). The New York Times called kite running a violent tradition in Afghanistan, but the people say it is no such thing. They say that it is not only a cultural tradition but it is a symbol of their freedoms restored. Children flying kites in Afghanistan is compared to children playing baseball in America.

People can be found running kites all over the world. Whether it be for traditional or cultural purposes or just to have fun. One thing is for sure a single kite can be very significant, it can serve for recreational purposes but it can also bring together entire nations.

"Afghan Fighters." 02 Febuary 2005.2007 <http://www.csun.edu/~hfoao033/fighters3.html>.

Hsiung, Gina. June 2002. 12 Nov 2007 <http://www.csun.edu/~ghsiung/fighters4.html>.

Martinez, Elena. "Flying High." Voices. 2005. New York Folklore Society. 12 Nov 2007 <http://www.nyfolklore.org/pubs/voic31-1-2/kites.html>.