Against the backdrop of a dazzling winter sunset, a lone figure stands on a bridge. Your attention is fully focused on a dark shape reflecting in the sky. Which brings you A dragon.
Have you ever flown a kite? This hobby will take you to open spaces with cold winds. In the West, dragons are generally considered toys for children, although some adults like them too. In Japan, however, people of all ages find hang-gliding a refreshing and relaxing pastime.
Making kites has become an art here. She takes pride in making the most of color, shape and design. The Japanese ability to make and ship kites has preserved the creation of kite masterpieces in this country.
From the good old days
The first dragon recorded in Japan dates back to 931 AD. He was brought here from China, where the dragons originated. Around this time, washi (the very tough roll that was developed in the east) was introduced to Japan with Buddhism. These events happened at the same time because the dragons were made of washi and used in Buddhist ceremonies.
In the 11th century, dragons were used as military symbols. Then and on subsequent occasions, they were hired to provide communication and food to the allies during battles. Just as the Indians sent smoke signals, the Japanese flew kites during the war to show their location. The Japanese apparently had a good understanding of geometry hundreds of years ago because by attaching a long tail to a kite and flying directly above the enemy camp, they could calculate the distance between them and the enemy. Therefore, they can even tunnel directly into the opposite field.
In the 16th century, dragons became popular as toys. Because they were big and flew awkwardly in urban areas, many serious accidents happened when pesky kites landed on people's heads. Aviation ban laws were ignored and this hobby experienced its biggest boom.
Fishermen have also found uses for kites. Fishermen have used them since ancient times to determine drafts and thus determine whether or not it is safe to go to sea.
The 18th century saw major changes in the design of Japanese kites. One of the reasons is that the images printed with woodcuts were copied and developed into kite designs. In addition, Japan opened its doors to the outside world, and in a short time influences on image design among dragons from China, Southeast Asia and even India appeared.
Dragon traditions
Dragons were used as talismans, possibly to ward off evil spirits. If a child had been born into a family at the end of the year, their grandparents would have painted the image of a demon on a giant dragon. It would then hang from the ceiling above the baby. On the first day of O-Shogatsu (New Years), the family captured the kite and blew it up, believing that all the evil would be blown out of the house and blown away by the winds. Probably, the health and happiness of the child was considered to be safe after all dire opportunities were thus eliminated. This ancient custom can still be found in a place or two in Japan.
Wherever a person is in Japan today, dragons are still seen at children's parties. Every year there is a party for the boys and one for the girls. Images of dragons vary and convey certain wishes: a crane or turtle for long life, a dragon for prosperity, a carp for strength, etc. On these occasions, dragons are considered lucky charms.
The origins of the famous Nambu dragons, which gained great popularity in Europe, also reflect ancient religious superstitions. The Shintoists painted their own depictions of the gods on the Nambu dragons. They were taken to shrines and transported with the belief that this would allow requests to be made directly to the gods instead of waiting for the gods to come to earth.
A fun custom continues in remote mountain villages. After the hard work of harvesting the rice, there is plenty to enjoy when the young people gather for a kite competition. The most talented win in marriage the most beautiful daughter of the owner!
Still, a person who does not want to engage in religious traditions can enjoy flying kites. A dragon must not have religious affiliations. And those who want to add a splash of color can paint any simple dragon design. Why not everything? a kite
Step 1: Take three strips of thin, light wood that can be bent without breaking (bamboo, if possible). Figure 1 shows how to adjust them. Recommended thicknesses are 4 x 2.5 mm, 3.5 x 2 mm and 3 x 2 mm. (1 millimeter = 0.04 inches). The middle area is used for the top of the dragon, the lightest for the bottom and the heaviest for the vertical. The wing balance is crucial for a successful flight. Therefore, the vertical bar must cross the horizontal one in the middle.
Connect the frame with a thin wire at points a and b. Think about the balance of your kite. You should not have more chains in one place than the other.
Step 2: Prepare a sheet of washi or light-resistant paper (see Figure 2). Now it's time to show off your artistic skills and paint a picture. After several attempts, you can choose a regular kite.
Place the kite upside down on the flaps and frame a light dough with flour and water. (See Figure 2). Place the frame with the vertical strip on the horizontal paper strip and glue the tabs in place. Be careful not to show wrinkles on the paper. Then a small stream of water causes your kite to stop. Cut the piece of wood that comes out of the top paper triangle.
Step 3: A stronger rope is needed for the guide ropes. Figure 3 shows the attachment points in front of the wing (c, d and e). To attach the guide chains to the frame, the paper must be perforated. But be careful not to break it. When the knots are secure, the rope should only be wrapped around the wood once at each point. The length of each wire should be about twice the width of the strip. It is important that the strings are directly above point x. By the way, a specialist can manufacture all three strength chains from an uninterrupted chain length.
Figure 4 shows that the kite bends when it is tightened to the string between points c and d. The rope used for flight is tied to the knot of the guide line. If you loosen one of the strings, the kite will tip wrong or even turn. To facilitate the flight, you can place a 1 meter long tail in the place shown in figure 4. If you can fly with the wing without a tail, you have joined a professional class.
Whether you are young or old, single or married to a family, you can have a lot of fun building the kite. Parents can take the opportunity to teach their children about the winds, the clouds, the sky, things that "speak" softly about the great creator. Why not get involved and turn kites into a family project or call some friends to build and control kites with you?
Dragon gamer
A popular competitive game in Japan is based on the idea of crossing dragons. The goal is to cut another player's wing. It does this by wrapping one of the wings' string around the other person's string when dragons fly. The rope is cut by friction. But seriously, do you want to lose your wing in this game you've worked so hard for?
Variations in the base wing increase a person's joy. For example, children get especially excited when a bow is tied to a dragon. This is due to the loud noise that the bow makes in the wind.
Oh yes! Here's another interesting fun to fly a kite. Fill a paper cone with flower petals and keep it partially closed with a thin strip of paper and some pasta. Move this cone over the main flying rope. Eventually, the umbrella climbs up the dragon string. The strong wind breaks the thin strip of paper and creates an exquisite shower of flower petals.
With a little imagination, you will soon be able to think of new games and new dragons.
Some stories of kites
It is believed that a famous thief named Kakinoki Kinsuke used a dragon in 1712 to transport himself to the upper roof of the Nagoya Castle prison. There, the golden bowl of the dolphin's ornament would have served as revenge for the capture of their land. Fifty years later, Kinsuke's Adventure has become a play and can still be seen in Japan today.
Another story is told about a feudal lord and his son. In the 12th century, they were exiled to a specific island. According to legend, this feudal lord sent his son to the mainland with a dragon to regain his lost position.
Like some anglers, many kite pilots have “long stories” to tell. After a hang-gliding episode, don't talk about “the one who escaped” and don't overdo your accomplishments.