By Wendella Davidson
ALMOST everywhere the sky is dotted with lots of creative and colourful flying objects of different shapes, sizes, colours and shapes with some emitting a beautiful and distinct roaring sound. The sound usually comes from a piece of paper or flap called the `tongue’ that is pasted at the back of a kite, as it sways in the breeze.

Such scenery is an indication that it is Easter, a festival celebrated by Christians and a tradition that dates back generations and is believed to have held, in the past, a religious connotation as a symbol of Christ’s ascent from death.
While Good Friday, the day when the Lord Jesus was crucified, is a solemn one, Easter Sunday and Monday are for celebration.

Studies have shown that the flying of kites dates back to more than 2,000 years ago. Though the exact date is not known, it is believed that the flying of kites first took place in Shandong, the most eastern province in China. We are told that a Chinese farmer in the Shandong province tied a string to his hat to prevent it from blowing far away from him due to high winds. The hat was blown into the air where the high wind swayed it back and forth.

Emerging from this experience was the flying of the first kite known to mankind. The Chinese made the first kite from bamboo, which was used for the frame and covered it with silk and paper to make it light for flying.
The earliest known Chinese kites were flat and rectangular in shape. Some were decorated with mythological motifs and legendary Chinese figures; others were fitted with strings and whistles to make musical sounds while flying.

Ancient and medieval Chinese sources have claimed that kites were used for measuring distances, testing the direction and the strength of the wind, signalling, and as a communication mechanism for military operations. The military used to spy on enemy positions in China, and for dropping propaganda leaflets over enemy territories to warn them of an impending attack. From China, kites were introduced to Cambodia, Thailand, India, Japan, Korea and the western countries.

The most famous kite in history was created in 1750 in the United States and flown by Benjamin Franklin during a rainstorm to prove that lightning bolts were indeed electricity. He was right and lucky to be alive to record his findings.

Kite flying is integral to Easter celebrations in Guyana and it is every child’s dream to partake in such a spirited, fun loving and relaxing activity that is peaceful and stress-free.
The hype though is on Easter Monday, the day reserved for kite flying, picnics and family gatherings and outings throughout the country. On this day, Guyanese from all walks of life usually throng the seawalls, parks, the Botanical and the Promenade Gardens, as well as, every conceivable open space to launch their kites into the air.

Kite flying is known to bring out the best in everyone, young or old, it is sometimes difficult to when you look at the faces to say who has had the best time, or should I say it is of equal enjoyment and joy to those that come out at Easter and fly kites.
No-one is ever glum while flying a kite, children are usually seen running as fast as their legs can carry them to launch their kite, be it a homemade one, a mad bull, a bat, a box, a paper or a plastic kite, or a kite that is bought in a store. The fun brings joy and happiness and both young and old don’t care once the kite is flying.

It is also fun watching how some majestic kites with an adornment bobbing behind as a tail and some very, very tiny kites take to the sky. These kites are most times seen on the seawalls, in the vicinity of the bandstand, where a competition for `The `Largest Kite’, `The Smallest Kite’ ‘The Most Unique Kite’ and `The Most Colourful’ is staged.
Then there are sometimes regretted scenarios where someone would wickedly tie a razor blade onto the tail of their kite and this could spell disaster for other kites nearby, as the blade would sever the strings of those kites resulting in them either sailing away or crashing.

Also, sometimes while a kite is flying there can be a sudden dip of the wind causing the kite to either end up in a tree. Then too, there are those kites that for some unanswered reason, try as one would, will not soar into the air.
It is disastrous events like these that can quickly crush the ego of a child and turn what was once a joyous moment into tears of sorrow.

Over recent times, the joy and happiness experienced during kite flying have been extended to include children with special needs and even those attending Play and Nursery Schools. The children attending any of the categories of school are usually accompanied by a parent or relatives, and it viewed as bonding time. In addition, such an exercise is said to be therapeutic for children with special needs.
For Guyanese, however, the flying of kites on Easter Monday is a happy occasion to meet friends and bond relatives and share in the fun and excitement. Whatever you do, do be safe and adhere to the safety rules of kite flying, that use open spaces and keep away from the high-powered electricity lines.