We’re letting fun take flight today to reminisce about one of the most quintessential, nostalgia-inducing, childhood activities we can remember: kite flying. Because, after all, it is National Fly a Kite Day.
The origin of the kite dates back more than 2,000 years to Shandong, China: a Chinese farmer tied a string to his hat to keep it from blowing away in strong winds, and with his simple solution, the concept of the kite was formed. The first kites created were constructed from common but durable materials, such as bamboo, silk, and paper.
By the 16th century, the popularity of kites grew as books and other literature publicized them children’s toys. But as the 18th century approached and the initial novelty of kites wore off, they started being used in field of science. Benjamin Franklin’s famous kite flying experiment during a thunderstorm in 1752 proved that lightning was a form of electricity. Kites even played a part in the development of the airplane in the late 1800’s when the Wright Brothers used them for research purposes.
Over the next 100 years, patents and new kite designs continued popping up everywhere, and by the 1950’s, NASA began to use kites in their spaceship recovery missions. In 1964, the American Kitefliers Association was formed, and today, with over 4,000 members in over 35 nations, their annual convention is the largest gathering of kite fliers in the world. The formation of associations like these led to kite flying competitions and festivals such as this one (which is one of the most mesmerizing things we’ve watched lately!):
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History aside, most of us know kite-flying as good, simple fun. Because who doesn’t remember waiting for a windy day and running across a field, kite in hand, ready to toss it up into the breeze at just the right moment? And then after it took flight, squinting up at the sky as the sun shone in our eyes, our hands feeling the gentle tug of the string as that colorful kite danced in the air?
While it certainly was a fun activity, it turns out that the act of flying a kite was actually doing more than just providing a carefree way to pass our windy days—it was making us happier and healthier. Studies have shown that kite flying can help us:
- Be more mindful… Because when you watch a kite drift across a sea of blue, you can’t help but be engaged in the present moment, allowing your worries to blow away.
- Appreciate nature… Because research shows that there are mind and body benefits to being outside. A particular study shows the restorative power of blue space in water, and the same could be said for the similar blue space of the sky that we stare upon when we fly a kite.
- Get more exercise… Because when you fly a kite, you’re in an environment that is conducive to outdoor play. Running, walking, or even kiteboarding (which is totally awesome, by the way).
- Socialize more… Because although most kites can be flown individually, kite flying is often done in a group, ranging from fun family outings to organized festivals and competitions. Flying a kite is also is a way to create memories and share wonder with our friends and loved ones, which in turn helps us deepen our relationships.
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We love it when science suggests that we should be spending our time
having fun and engaging in simple, nostalgic activities.
So what are we waiting for? Let’s go fly a kite!
Talk to us: Do you have fond memories of flying kites? What were your other favorite outside activities as a child?
At the The Nostalgia Diaries, our goal is to help you simplify, enhance, and engage your lives by focusing on the most important things: remembering, appreciating, believing, and becoming. It’s all about celebrating the past to create better days today.
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How fun! I actually am really looking forward to getting to fly kites with my littles.
I hope you have a great time when you get to do that!
Such a beautiful post! This isn’t something I’ve thought about much..I haven’t flown a kite in years! There is a kite on the National Mall in DC every spring and that’s one of my favorite things to go to. I need to start taking part in it!
Thank you! Yes! Get a kite and let it soar!
I love Mary Poppins! So the first thing I thought of was “Let’s Go Fly a Kite”
It’s such a fun song and wonderful ending to that movie!
Corey! I love everything about this! The research is really quite cool! Now lets see if I can get my husband to help me fly that kite! xo~D
Thank you!! Yes, get him out there with you!
My favorite kite growing up had a white background and a pink, convertible VW Bug with a light blue/gray shark driving it and a surf board sticking out the back. Still makes me smile thinking about it. Thanks for the reminder!
That sounds like an awesome kite! Glad I could help remind you!
Such a fun family idea for summer!
YES! Everyone in the family can get one and you can have your own little kite flying festival!
I definitely found myself humming the “Let’s go fly a kite” song! 🙂 I used to have a Pochahontas kite when I was a kid, then it got caught in a tree 🙁 After reading your post, I definitely need to bring it back! 🙂
Fun memories! Sorry about the tree 🙁 YES. go find another kite and go flying!
I think I flew a kite a few times, but not that often. I didn’t know it was National Fly a Kite Day! How fun.
-Lauren
http://www.shootingstarsmag.net
Time to get out and fly some more kites–today or any day!
my son is 2, so no expert kite flyer but he loves it so much. such joy!
We should all try to remember the wonder of the world through the eyes of a 2 year old!
Best place to fly a kite….Outer Banks, NC…unbelievable wind there:)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KmzzVDH8aRw – Looks awesome!
While I haven’t tried to fly a kite in decades, I have seen kite surfing. And that, that is some pretty cool stuff. 🙂
Yes, it does look really amazing!
Flying a kite was always so much fun as a kid! It will never get old!
So many things we do as kids that are so fun we stop doing as adults. We need to change that! Long live kite flying!
Isn’t it interesting that most things we did as entertainment as children are the things people seek out to do NOW to help bring about mindfulness and ease stress? (e.g. fly a kite, play with Play-Doh, go outside and ride a bike). There’s something truly wonderful about bringing it back to our roots! 🙂
If only we could never lose sight of those important things. So here’s to bringing them all back! 🙂
Such a great past- time- WE should definitely bring it back… Kids need to get outside and enjoy the simple things again
Love flying kites! It’s such a fun activity.
I actually got kites for my kids for easter, they were a huge hit!
I didn’t realize kite flying had a lot of health benefits👍😄