What is Kite?
[[File:Chinese Kite.jpg|thumb|right|270px|A [[China|Chinese]] kite in flight.]] [[File:Dacron Reels.jpeg|thumb|270x270px|Dacron reels ]] [[File:Kite surfing Oahu.jpg|right|thumb|270px|[[Kite surfing|Kiteboarding]] in [[Oahu]], [[Hawaii]].]] :''For the bird, see [[kite (bird)]]'' A '''kite''' is a [[Flight|flying]] object that is attached to the ground by a rope, or ropes. Kites can be flown for fun, or in [[competitions]]. In India, people fly kites on [[Makar Sankranti]]. == History == Kites come in all shapes and sizes. Kites were created in [[China]] about 2,800 years ago. Later they spread into other [[Asian]] countries, like (India), [[Japan]] and [[Korea]]. However, the kite only appeared in [[Europe]] around the [[year]] 1600 The first kites had sails made of [[paper]] or light fabrics such as [[silk]]. The poles were made from [[bamboo]] sticks, or other strong but flexible [[wood]]s. The kite line was made from string, or twine. Modern kites are made from [[synthetic]] materials, such as ripstop [[nylon]] or more exotic fabrics on the sails. They have [[fiberglass]] or [[carbon fiber]] poles, and use dacron or dyneema for the kite lines. Today, there are different types of kites. Some are large and are made to look good. Some are smaller and are made for [[speed]], children and competitions. Also, there are many different types of kites. The most important types of kite are stunt kites and parafoil kites. However, they can come in a variety of sizes, types and designs. Inflatable kites are made in an inflatable shape, animal or other design. The inflatable kite is one the few modern inventions in the world of kite design. {{commons category|Kites}} Though the exact origin of '''kites''' are not known, it is known that they were flown in China and the Malay Archipelago two to three thousand years ago. The earliest written accounts of '''kite''' flying were the exploits of the Chinese general Han Hsin, Han Dynasty (206 B.C.-220 A.D.). [[Category:Toys]] [[Category:Sports equipment]]