The Science:

The kite was the first heavier-than-air device to fly. Many different cultures have contributed to the kite's design, evolution and flight capabilities and the kite has engrained itself in folklore, religion, celebration, military, art, science, sport and recreation.

History:
The earliest documented evidence suggests kites originated in China more than 2500 years ago. Originally constructed from bamboo and silk, kites became more widespread with the development of inexpensive paper in the second century AD. Buddhist missionaries most likely introduced the kite to Japan and Korea, spreading to Indonesia and the Malay Peninsula. By 700 AD kites had been introduced to the Middle East and were used in recreation and in a sport known as "fighting kites". The explorer, Marco Polo, noted seeing both kite flying and manned kites in the Orient in the 13 th century. Through trade routes, kites reached Europe in the early middle ages and to the United States from both Europe and Asia.

Military Uses:
Over its long history, kites have been used by militaries around the world to signal, carry messages and food to troops, manned aerial observations and rescue. About 200 BC, a Chinese general, Huan Theng, attached a humming device to a kite. Flying overhead at night, the enemy believed these sounds came from evil spirits preparing to attack and fled. general Huan Hsiu used a kite to measure the distance between his troops and an enemy palace. Early Japanese prints depict archers carried by large kites.

In the mid- and late 1800's, kites were used by the British military. In 1897, a young officer, Captain B. F. S. Baden-Powell built a 36-foot kite to be used for manned aerial observations over enemy territory. Baden-Powell also developed a series of tandem kites.

In 1901, Samuel F. Cody patented a kite system for manned observations; the system included a basket which could support the weight of a man. Although further major developments in manned kite flight were stunted by the introduction of manned power flight by the Wright brothers in 1903, the German's used manned aerial observation kites from submarines in World War I and II.

In Science:
Kites have been used in scientific investigations on climate and weather, aerodynamics, as well as electricity. In 1752, statesman and inventor Benjamin Franklin used a kite for his famous investigation into the nature of electrical charges in clouds. Kites have been used in climatic and meteorological studies. The U.S. Weather Bureau has used large box-type kites flown on piano wire which reached an altitude over 31,000 feet. A variety of meteorological instruments such as thermometers, anemometers, and barometers have been used attached to kites to investigate temperature, wind speed and pressure differences at different altitudes.

George Cayley, who developed the first practical glider, flew these gliders as kites. Alexander Graham Bell, the inventor of the telephone, used kites to study weather and to understand flight. He developed the tetrahedral cell, a light frame, strong kite capable of supporting a person in the air. Early aviation pioneers such as Otto Lilienthal, Octave Chanute and the Wright brothers used kites to experiment and learn about the forces, stability and control. The Wrights' early vehicle attempts were flown as kites.

Cultural Importance:
Throughout many centuries and cultures, kites have been used in recreation, religious ceremony, celebration, hunting and fishing, sports and as art. Throughout the world kite festivals are held annually. These events educate and teach kite building and flying as well as provide an exciting recreational activity.

From the time of its invention, early Chinese drawings depict elegantly sculptured and beautifully decorated kites. Some cultures have used kites to communicate with spirits or gods. In Thailand, kites have been used to ask the gods for good weather and crops. In some cultures, kites are associated with good luck. It is believed when the line of the kite is cut, the kite takes away the bad luck or evil spirits. In Japan one form of kite, called a windsock, is made in the shape of a carp fish, which symbolizes the strength and will to overcome great obstacles. In Rome, windsock banners designed to look like dragons were used for military and religious purposes. Koreans fly kites to announce the birth of a child.

European hunters used kites to flush birds from bushes. In the Solomon Islands, kites have been used in fishing.

In the late 1990's a new extreme sport, "kite boarding" was introduced in Europe and spread rapidly throughout the world. Large bridled kites pull individuals on short surf or wake boards across the water or on snowboards for snow. At the highest competitive level, professional athletes perform exciting acrobatics with these kites.