Chinese Kites. David Jue

of paper in China has been traced back at least as far as 200 B.C., when the Han dynasty was young. When paper became commonplace, the cheaper material put kite-making into the reach of all. The kite, probably first a jealously guarded stratagem of the primitive priest-magician and then the expensive toy of the wealthy, became a folk art of the people and as such survives today.

      Widespread kite-making among the people insured the transmission of the art from generation to generation. Time and again the people found protection in the use of kites. About A.D. 500, Emperor Liang Moo used kites as signals to rally his soldiers in time of danger. A large army could not be kept constantly at the palace. They were allowed to disperse to work their farms. When danger threatened, kites were flown from high points across the countryside as a signal to assemble at the palace. Once when the enemy had closed in quickly and surrounded the palace, the emperor directed his commander, Gan Mon, to loft the kites. In response, kites arose from point after point across the land. The army assembled at a distance and attacked the enemy from the rear, routing them utterly.

      Kites have also been used for individual or family protection, Using a sounding device similar to that of Huan Theng, or a sort of flute made from perforated reed or bamboo, kites were lofted over the house throughout the night to frighten away thieves and bandits. The more superstitious continue this practice to protect the house from the evil spirits of the night.

      Fishing with Kites

      People go fishing in china, just as they do here. Those who can afford it have boats; others just sit on the banks of the river or lake. On a breezy day, you may see kites flying above the water with a long string tied to the tail. At the end of this string, a hook with the bait is submerged under the water. When a fish bites, the fisherman pulls the kite in. This sight is very common around lakes and rivers.

      Firecracker Scarecrows

      On remotely placed farms where numerous birds to invade the crops, farmers often have their children fly kites with firecrackers tied to the tails. Slow burning incense attached to the fuses sets off the firecrackers at intervals, scaring the birds away.

      Centipede Kite