Chinese Kites for Warring States Period- myassignmenthelp.com

Question: Discuss about theChinese Kites for Warring States Period. Answer: Origin of Chinese kites The modern day kites has been believed to originate from China, from where it got various form of modification. The kites were first invented in the early stage of Warring States Period (475-221 B.C). Idea of kite was given by two philosophers Mozi and Lu Ban[1]. They got influenced by the teachings of Confucius and it helped them in the phase of developing new culture. Making of kites were only confined to the Chinese Society for several years after its origin. One of the major purpose of inventing kites during the period, were due to the military activity purpose. Many foreign powers from the Western region attacked the Chinese society, which also was responsible for civil unrest. The main purpose of inventing the first Chinese kites was to measure distance. This is considered to be an essential information for the Chinese army for transportation of resources across difficult terrain. Other major purpose of originating kites included providing communication signal for far away ship flags at sea and record readings. Due to its practical applicability Chinese military society the use of the kites became popular soon after its origin and invention[2]. History of Chinese kites As mentioned in earlier section, main purpose of inventing kite was to enhance and developed the ancient Chinese culture, which was highly influenced by the teachings of Confucius. As the first kite was developed some 2300 years ago in the province of Shandong, it became an essential cultural symbol for the Warrying Emperor[3]. Detailed information about the history of Chinese kites can be found from the book of Hong Shu. The first idea of kites came with that of the flying of heron and egret bird flying. Additional information about the history of Chinese kites can be found from the travel writings of Marco Polo. As he brought the Chinese kites while returning to Italy through the silk route, the concept of the kite became popular within the European society. The idea later transferred to the American society, where it was believed that the concept of first flight pavilion was inspired from the design of Chinese kites. After its origin, the flying of Kites became an important symbol and activity of the New Year celebration within the Chinese community of the Ancient days. As it started to become popular, various new ideas about manufacturing kites were introduced. This helped in the introduction of ideas in different forms of Kites. Different types of Chinese kites The different type of Kites can be classified according to their shape and type of materials that are being used. Centipede Kites: These kites have the shape of Dragon head with the train like chain behind it. The head and the tale of the kite are interconnected with 3 lines. The size of this kites are generally quite large in compared to other types due to their attractive nature. WeiFang devised this form of kites and was the main source of attraction of Chinese festival during the ancient periods[4]. Hard winged kites: As the name itself suggest the frame of the kite is made out of hard bamboos. The Central of the kite is highly rigid, which enables it to fly at higher ranges and which stand the high wind speed. The sale of the kite is generally manufactured of silk. Soft Winged kites: This type of Kites are generally famous for their rigid upper rims. The lower section of the kites are generally kept flexible. This type of Kites are generally manufactured in the shape of birds, insects or fishes[5]. Flat Kites: The flat kites are constructed in a single plane, which are generally made out of bamboo. This is the most common type of Kites that are used in modern days. The flat kites can also have different subcategory depending upon their shapes and colours. Celebration and symbolism of Chinese kites As mentioned in the earlier section, the popularity of the kites were mainly due to their cultural significance. In the modern days, the WeiFang International Kite Festival held every year in the month of April in the Shandong district[6]. Representatives from different nations including UK, Italy Japan and USA take part in this festival. It is therefore regarded as a source of cultural and symbolic unity of different nations across the globe. Thousands of visitors across the globe are also attracted during the Kite Festival, which is also helping to boost up the economy of the nation and promote cultural awareness. There is also high symbolic values of the kites that are being used as a part of cultural Unity across different nations. The shapes and the design that are used in the manufacturing of modern Chinese kites help to preserve the ancient tradition. The symbols of the same helps in signifying and representation the strength of ancient Chinese culture. Reference "History Of Chinese Kites." Chinakites.org. N.p., 2018. Web. 1 Apr. 2018. Cai, Jinghong. "Centuries-Old Chinese Art: With an Italian Twist." Art Education 70.6 (2017): 43-48. Ji-zhen, Z. H. A. N. G. "Exploitation of folk sports cultural resources and the development of local social economyEconomic benefit analysis of Weifang International Kite Festival." Journal of Shandong Institute of Physical Education and Sports 2 (2009): 003. Yan, Hong-Sen. Reconstruction designs of lost ancient Chinese machinery. Vol. 3. Springer Science Business Media, 2007.