Qingming Day holds profound cultural significance in Chinese tradition. On this day, families assemble at ancestral graves to remove weeds, clean the tombstone, and present offerings such as food, tea, wine, and incense. As Qingming falls at the seasonal transition adorned with blooming flowers and fresh greenery, it naturally kindles people's enthusiasm for "treading on greenery" (踏青, spring walk). They swarm outdoors to fly kites, plant trees, admire rural landscapes, and engage in picnics.
Today, Qingming remains an important festival in China and other abroad Chinese communities. While modern technology allows for virtual ancestor worship, people still cherish the core values of filial piety, remembrance, and respect. Through Qingming, Chinese people maintain a strong connection to their heritage and family traditions, ensuring that ancestors are honored across generations.
Today, in 黑料社, Institute for International Students and Mental Health Education and Research Center jointly organized a vibrant handicraft workshop for students interested in Chinese traditional culture to indulge themselves in the process of crafting paper kites on this festival. Upon arrival, participants received a symbolic gift: a "Seed Admission Ticket" tucked inside a green envelope, as a welcoming gesture that also echoed with the event's theme of nurturing tradition and growth.
The highlight of the day was a hands-on workshop on crafting traditional diamond-shaped kites. Guided by instructors, participants embarked on the three major steps from a stack of simple raw materials to create their own flying masterpieces.
Step 1: Building the frame
The process began with assembling the kite’s skeleton. Participants carefully adhered bamboo rods to a diamond-shaped fabric. A key tip emphasized symmetry: the vertical rod had to align precisely with the fabric’s center, passing through four small holes at its midpoint. For those struggling with creased fabric, flatten it under heavy books beforehand. Attention to balance was critical—any asymmetry could jeopardize the kite’s flight. Once the frame was secure, a colorful tail was attached to the narrower end of the kite, adding both flair and aerodynamic stability.
Step 2: Threading the wire
Next, participants flipped the kite to its front side to attach the wire—the strings that steer and control flight. This process entailed paramount precision: the upper bridle line was measured at 11.5 cm from the top, while the lower line extended 15 cm downward. These measurements ensured optimal lift and balance.
Step 3: Painting with colour
With the structure complete, the artistic phase began. Using paints and markers, students embellished their kites into personalized canvases. From traditional floral and swallow the honoring and reframing of the kite's cultural roots.
Flight Physics: Troubleshooting Tips
Before taking their creations outdoors, students absorbed essential troubleshooting knowledge:
1. Kite veering sideways? This imbalance often stems from uneven fabric distribution or tail weight. By gently bending the vertical rod toward the opposite side or adding weight to the tail, kite flyers could better take control of it.
2. Spinning mid-air or flying low? A common issue caused by head-tail imbalance or strong winds (above Level 3). Solutions included shortening the lower wire or lengthening tail weight.
3. Flying far but not high? Adjusting the upper bridle line shorter or waiting for calmer winds could resolve this.
Armed with knowledge and creativity, students headed to an open field to test their kites. Laughter filled the air as colorful kites danced in diverse tracks against the azure sky. Some kites wobbled initially, but quick adjustments transformed shaky starts into graceful ascents. It’s fabulous how science and art gather together in something as simple as a kite.
This workshop bridged generations and cultures, proving that ancient traditions, when thoughtfully revived, can soar to new heights.
Photo: Zheng Siyan, Hangyu, Yiran
Writer: Wang Ziyan
Editor: Guo Junlin
