Kite Flying in Kids’ Books
The Blossom Kite Festival is an annual event that is traditionally a part of the festivities at the National Cherry Blossom Festival on the National Mall in Washington, DC.
The Cherry Blossom Kite Festival in Washington, DC, includes the rokkaku kite battle mentioned in Flying the Dragon, modern kite-making, and the children’s best handmade kite contest.
For anyone lucky to be in Washington D.C. at the end of March, here are the details:
Date and Time
March 30, 2013
10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Location
On the grounds of the Washington Monument, Constitution Avenue & 17th Streets, NW Washington, DC.
For those of us who can’t be there, we can recreate this experience!
Kite flying dates back to Ancient China, but in Japan, there is a special day called Children’s Day (a.k.a. Boy’s Day) dedicated to flying kites including these Koi windsacks.
Children’s Day (Kodomo no hi) is celebrated on 5th May in Japan. It is a national holiday honoring moms and kids, historically boys. Until recently, 5th May used to be known as Boy’s Day (Tango no Sekku, or the Feast of Banners). In Japanese culture, the carp (or koi) represents courage and perseverance, as the fish is known for its strength and determination as it swims against the current upstream. Read more…
