Kites are ingenious contraptions that are intended to be flown high in the sky at the end of a string. Making kites and flying kites is an enjoyable and relaxing activity, as well as a competitive game in several parts of the globe. As a matter of fact, nearly all kite flying festivals all across Asia have “kite fights,” which is a venerated and ancient custom where players attempt to cut down their adversaries’ kites by cutting off their lines. This is achieved by using small, extremely maneuverable “fighter kites” that are connected to glass-coated “cutting lines.” These specialized “cutting lines” are used to cut off the lines of contending kites.
In Korea, men, women and children fly kites all throughout the opening days of the New Year. Kite flying is also something to look forward to, and an essential part of the boys festival, which is held each May in Japan, and in China, one day each year is commemorated as Kites Day. On those days, thousands of kites fashioned like fish, butterflies and dragons take to the air and soar over the cities and towns. Thailand also supports an International Kite Festival in...