We were at the Kite Festival 2011. 

We didn’t fly any kite though. We didn’t participate in the kite workshop either. Neither the kites nor the scenic view created any excitement in Darren that day. 

INSTEAD. 

He was more interested helping out with the set-up of a huge banner because of the giant stapler although it was not an activity for the event. *Kids TEND to FOCUS on strange things at event!*

Spotted the similarity in dress code between Darren and the organiser? Pure coincidence*hehe*

Helping out in setting up a banner was FUN for Darren as long as he had the giant stapler.

While Darren was fascinated by the giant stapler (he was exclaiming “Wow! So powerful!”),  mommy was busy studying the display of traditional kites of different Southeast Asian countries.

Traditional kite of Malaysia : Wau Bulan. There is a legend behind this kite that farmers used these kites as flying scarecrows to frighten away birds from their padi fields.

Traditional kite of Vietnam : estimated to be 2000 years old and famed for creating music in the air.

Traditional kite of Philippines: Kite fighting spirit

Traditional kite of Indonesia: invented for fish catching centuries ago.

 Traditional kite of Cambodia: Kite flying as a religious ceremony dating back to 400BC.

Traditional kite of Thailand: Kite flying as a sport which became popular 700 years ago.

There is a rich history and culture behind kite crafting of these Southeast Asian countries.  To know more about the history, you may read here.

With the huge varieties of kite designs im modern days and while we fly kites nowadays as a recreational activity (or even to enjoy the kites perform stunts), how much do we know and value these stories behind each traditional kite?

Seriously, I never knew that kites could be used to create music in the air till now:)