by Colin Donohue
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A Tradition of Kites Historically, kites were flown to fend off birds that would feed on the maturing rice in the paddies. The presence of a quick and curving shadow from above scared the birds. Today, the Balinese fly kites for recreation, yet there remains a community and religious significance, as well. It is said that Balinese Hindus believe that the god Indra amused himself by flying kites, and subsequently taught cattle herders to do the same. Today, kites are built as a village tradition, where the designs are passed down from generation to generation. The kites have become a symbol both of the village’s pride in craftsmaking and the village’s unity, since almost all residents participate in kite-making. Photo by Colin Donohue. |
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Terrain.org: A Journal of the Built & Natural Environments