Wednesday, June 2, 2010
♥ Next stop... the Layang-layang Museum aka Kite Museum
At 10a.m, we made our way to the kite museum (Layang Layang Museum). Before the visit to the museum, I know practically nothing about kite flying. Being born in a highly cosmopolitan world city of Singapore, I am sure many of us would not have the chance to revel in the joy that our parents once had, in kite flying. Till now, kites are still an important part of Malaysia. Despite their globalization, they have not abandoned their traditional kite heritage. There are many kites of different designs but the two major ones are Wau Merak (Peacock Kite) and Wau Bulan (Moon kite). Wau Merak is a symbol for Johor. Do not belittle them. Behind each kites, there is a different story to explain for its unique design. Take the Wau Merak as an example. Its peacock design is originated from the way the kite was used in the past. Farmers flied their kites in their padi fields to chase away birds and peacock from eating away their crops. Hence, the name. The people are really innovative and resourceful. Instead of using pesticides, they used kites which are environmentally friendly as water sources would not get polluted by the contamination of pesticides. I am thinking that, in the past, perhaps land constraint (Forests were not cleared) restrained them from many recreational activities. However, they did not allow these factors to deter them. Using their own resourcefulness, farmers sometimes also flied the kites in their drained padi field to celebrate on their harvest instead of leaving it barren after their harvest. “Kite Flying is a piece of cake. What could be so difficult about pulling and releasing some strings?” This was how I felt at the beginning of the trip. How wrong I was. Kite Flying requires high skill, speed, concentration and some scientific knowledge on how the kite works in order to fly it well. When the kite is launched, the rising force will overcome the gravitational pull, causing the kite to stay upright. The spaces on the surface of the ground will counter the wind pressure and allow the kite to rise upward. Wow! Science is indeed all around us! At the kite museum, I saw how the man drew the intricate design of the Wau Merak, using simple tools like compass and ruler. Imagine how serious and concentrated he was in doing it. After all, it is the symbol of the state and he must be proud drawing it. In Singapore nowadays, we do not have the open space to fly kites due to the obstruction of wind by infrastructures and buildings. However, it is still important for us to remember and preserve this culture so that we would not lose our cultural roots. Come’ on, what’re you waiting for? Let’s head towards a field now. Whoops, grab your kites along! Wrriten by: Simone =)
Edited by: Jia En =)
Designing the kite...
7:26 AM
