
Kite flying has a rich history and diverse traditions dating back thousands of years across the globe. There was a time when kites were primarily used for strategic military purposes, sending signals, weather forecasting and scientific research. Kites were used for spying, and intelligence gathering as well as measuring the distance of enemy positions.
Military and scientific applications of kite flying

In ancient times Kites were as integral tools in warfare, as a low-cost and low-risk ways to gather information and reconnaissance and even used as a weapon. Kites have also been used for target practice during military training exercises.
The Chinese military used kites to determine the range for archers and the distance between enemy troops. Kites were also used for spying and communication. Large kites would be flown to observe enemy positions, and carry messages or signals over long distances, particularly during times of war where other forms of communication were difficult or slow. This was particularly important during wartime when speed and the ability to send information quickly could make the difference between victory and defeat.
Chinese General Han Hsin of the Han Dynasty flew a kite over the walls of a city he was attacking to measure how far his army would have to tunnel to reach past the defenses.
Kites attached with noisemakers or bells were used as a low cost device for tactical and psychological warfare to create intimidating sounds to frighten enemies, to confuse them and create chaos in the battle.

During World War, I (1914-1918), the British, French, Italian, and Russian armies all had kite units for enemy observations and signal corps. In World War II (1939-1945), the U.S. Navy found uses for kites such as Harry Saul’s Barrage Kite (anti-aircraft), the Gibson-Girl Box Kite (air rescue), and Paul Garber’s Target Kite (target practice and aircraft recognition).
Kites were used by military strategists to test wind conditions and weather patterns before the battle or predict the right time to attack or retreat based on weather forecasts. This helped them plan military manoeuvres.
Kites played a significant role for scientific exploration in the 18th century, particularly in the fields of meteorology and electrical science. Kites were increasingly used for scientific experimentation. This era saw the first serious investigations into the aerodynamics of kite flight, with pioneers like Jean de La Faille and George Pocock beginning to formalize the principles of kite flight.

One of the most famous milestones in kite history occurred when Benjamin Franklin used a kite to demonstrate the electrical nature of lightning. His famous experiment in 1752 proved that lightning was a form of electricity, contributing to the understanding of electricity and atmospheric science.
One of the most notable historical kite feats involves the use of kites in the early 1900s for aerial photography, communication, and observation over the English Channel for military and scientific experiments.
One of the earliest major aerial crossings of the English Channel was made by Louis Blériot, a French aviator, on July 25, 1909, when he made the first successful flight across the English Channel in a heavier-than-air plane. This milestone was an important development in aviation history and symbolized the progression from kite-powered flight experiments to successful human flight.
In the Early 19th century, Arthur Batut, a French scientist and inventor is believed to have pioneered aerial photography by taking photographs of landscapes using kites for surveying and mapping.
Similarly the earliest uses of kites for archaeological surveys, was for mapping the Nazca Lines in Peru, where kites were flown over large areas to capture aerial photographs of the lines and surrounding desert terrain.
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Kites have been used in geological studies to survey mountainous terrain and measure volcanic slopes, helping scientists to understand the geological features of difficult-to-reach areas.
Environmentalists have used kites to monitor deforestation, map coastal areas, or study the impact of floods and other natural disasters.
While kites are still used for research and survey purposes, in modern times, their role has been partly supplanted by drones and other high-tech instruments. However, kites are still an excellent low-cost option for many field-based studies, especially in areas with light winds or environmentally sensitive zones.
Uses of kites

Even today kite flying has several uses. These include:
- Kites can be used to collect weather data such as wind speed, temperature, and humidity.
- Kites can be used to study the upper atmosphere, including the stratosphere and mesosphere.
- Kites can be used to study aerodynamics, including wing design and airflow.
- Kites equipped with sensors can monitor air quality, including pollutants and particulate matter.
- Kites can be used to monitor water quality, including tracking ocean currents and monitoring water temperature.
- Kites can be used to monitor wildlife populations, including tracking migration patterns and monitoring habitat health.
- Kites can be used for aerial photography, providing a low-cost and low-risk way to capture images.
- Kites can be used for surveying and mapping, including creating 3D models of terrain and infrastructure.
- Kites can be used for inspection and maintenance, including monitoring infrastructure and detecting defects.
- Kite flying can be used as an educational tool, teach science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) concepts.
- Kite flying can be used as a form of therapy and rehabilitation, providing a fun and engaging way to improve physical and mental health
- Kite flying is a great workout. Kite flying can be a physically demanding activity, requiring strength, endurance, and agility.
Some interesting facts

Here are some interesting facts about kites:
- According to legend, the first kite was invented by the Chinese philosopher Mozi, who used a kite to demonstrate the principles of wind and flight.
- Kites can fly higher than planes. The highest altitude ever recorded by a kite is over 30,000 feet (9,144 meters).
- Kites can generate electricity. Kite-powered generators can harness wind energy to generate electricity.
- The largest kite ever made: The largest kite ever made was over 100 feet (30 meters) long and 50 feet (15 meters) wide.
- The longest kite flight: The longest kite flight ever recorded lasted for 86 hours and 37 minutes.
- The fastest kite: The fastest kite ever recorded reached speeds of over 120 mph (193 kph).
Journey from military use to sports and recreation

Today, kite flying has become a beloved hobby and community activity enjoyed by people of all ages. Many people engage in kite flying simply for fun, relaxation, or as a bonding activity during weekends, national holidays or festivals. Kite flying provides an opportunity for people to spend time outdoors, connect with nature, and engage in physical activity. In some cultures, flying kites is seen as a way to celebrate the arrival of a new season or to gather friends and family.
Today international kite festivals like the Weifang Kite Festival in China or the Bristol International Kite Festival in the UK draw thousands of participants and spectators each year and celebrate kite flying as an artistic and competitive activity. Enthusiasts at these festivals fly kites of all shapes and sizes, from traditional kites to modern, stunt kites.
The journey of kite flying as a military tool to recreational pastime, adventure sport, and hobby is a testament to human creativity and adaptability. Kite has evolved as a source of fun, competition, and artistic expression that brings people together.
Evolution of the word Kite

The word “kite” has an interesting linguistic history. The word “kite” is derived from the Proto-Germanic word “kutiz,” meaning “kite bird” a bird of prey with distinctive forked tail. The kite bird is known for its graceful, soaring flight. This similarity seems to have influenced the naming of the early kites that glided or soared through the air – like the bird. Over time the spelling of the word evolved into “kite” the term used to describe both the bird and the recreational flying device we use today.
The word “kite” is a fascinating example of how language and nature can influence one another. In linguistic development the interplay between nature and language at times determine how animals, objects, or phenomena are named. For example, the term “butterfly” (meaning – from uncertain origin) originated from the old English word “butterfloege” (butter + fly) based on colour of butter (the yellowish hue some butterflies display) and fly. There’s a folk belief that butterflies steal milk and butter, hence the name. Likewise “hummingbird” is named after the humming noise created by its wings and the howler monkey is named for its loud and distinctive howling cry.
This phenomenon is not limited to animals and also extends to some other natural phenomena and objects. For instance the word “Rainbow” draws its name from a bow-shaped arc of colours formed after a rainstorm, and “Lightning” is derived from the sudden, bright flash of electricity in the sky.
In the same way different languages use metaphors and associations for naming kites. The Dutch use the “wimpel” (Old Dutch word Wimpelen) meaning a streamer or flag soaring or fluttering in the sky. It highlights the kite’s association with wind and movement. The French use the term “Cerf-volant” which literally translates to “flying deer” a metaphor to compare the grace, agility, and lightness of kites flying in the air with like the swift and elegant movement of the deer.

In Mandarin Chinese, the word for kite is “fēngzhēng” literally meaning “wind”, fēng) + “string” or “cord” (zhēng). This name reflects the connection between the kite and the wind that lifts it, as well as the string that controls its movement. This straightforward naming convention aligns with how kites were historically used in China for purposes like testing the wind and measuring distances.
In Japanese, the word for kite is “tako” meaning “octopus” which refers to the distinctive shape of traditional Japanese kites, designed to resemble the eight tentacles of an octopus. In Indonesian, the word for kite is “layang-layang”. The term emphasizes the motion and freedom associated with kites.
The Spanish use the word “cometa” meaning comet in English to compare the kite with the celestial comet, both of which have a similar trajectory through the sky. In Thai, the word for kite is “chao” symbolising the power or elegance of the Thai monarchy. The word “chao” implies ruler or lord, highlighting the kite’s association with power, grace, and the heaven.
Kite flying was a part of Greek culture where kites were used for communication and entertainment. In modern Greece, people of all ages fly kites particularly around Clean Monday (Kathara Deftera), the first day of Lent in the Eastern Orthodox Christian calendar. This day is traditionally celebrated with outdoor festivities, including kite flying, as a symbol of freedom and the arrival of spring.
These are some examples how different cultures have interpreted the flight of kites and reflects the unique relationship that different societies have with the elements of air and movement.
History of kite flying

The history of kite flying spans thousands of years. The history of kite flying is as follows:
Kites are believed to have originated in China around 2,800 BCE. The earliest kites were made from materials like bamboo, silk, and paper. The early Chinese kites were large and designed to resemble animals or mythical creatures.
Over time kite flying became more widespread in China and Kites became embedded in Chinese culture, with festivals and ceremonies associated with flying them. Kites were often flown during traditional holidays like the Qingming Festival (Tomb-Sweeping Day), and they were believed to carry away bad luck and bring good fortune.
As Chinese trade and influence spread along the Silk Road, kites were introduced to neighbouring regions and eventually to Europe.
By the 8th century, Japan had adopted kite flying. The Japanese developed their own distinct kites, such as the rokkaku (six-sided kite) and tako (octopus-shaped kite). Kites became important in Japanese festivals like Hatsuhinode, symbolizing good fortune in the New Year.

Soon Kites became part of Korean culture, often used in traditional festivals like Yut-nori and Chuseok, a harvest festival. Korean kites were also used in rain-making ceremonies.
Kites were introduced to places like Indonesia, where they became central to festivals and rituals, particularly in Bali, where large, colorful kites are flown to symbolize prayers for a good harvest.
Kite flying reached Europe around the 12th century through the Arabs and Persians, who were influenced by the kites of China and Central Asia. By the time of the Renaissance, kites were being used for various purposes, including entertainment and scientific experiments.
During the Renaissance in Italy, kites began to be viewed not just as tools for observation, but as vehicles for recreation. Kite flying festivals were common during the summer In Venice.
As the 19th century progressed, kites continued to evolve, both as scientific tools and as recreational objects. Kites were used to carry passengers and scientific instruments into the air. The kite balloon was used for military reconnaissance during the American Civil War (1861–1865), where large kites were tethered to the ground to observe enemy positions. Kites were also used in experiments for meteorology and aerodynamics. Early forms of weather balloons were sometimes carried by kites, allowing scientists to measure wind speed and temperature at different altitudes.

In the 20th century, kites evolved from practical tools to a widespread recreational activity and sport.
During the early 1900s, kite flying began to be celebrated in festivals around the world. In the U.S., the Washington, D.C. National Kite Festival became an annual event, attracting kite enthusiasts from across the country.
The 20th century also saw the rise of kite surfing or kiteboarding in the 1970s and 1980s, a sport in which surfers use a large kite to propel themselves across water. This new development brought the aerodynamic principles of kites into the realm of extreme sports. The artistic aspect of kite making flourished, with elaborate and colorful kites becoming part of art festivals, often used to showcase craftsmanship and creativity.
Today, kite flying continues to be a popular activity around the world, celebrated with global kite festivals and by enthusiasts and artists who push the boundaries of kite design and flight. Kites are still used in some areas for ceremonial or spiritual purposes, such as in Thailand’s Yi Peng Festival or India’s Makar Sankranti.
[…] Also Read: From military to adventure sport: history and traditions of kite flying […]
[…] Also Read: From military to adventure sport: history and traditions of kite flying […]