Kites and views
Kites: The symbolism
Flying kites symbolizes the ascension of the human soul to the divine, according to Greek Christian tradition. The custom is revived every year on Clean Monday, at the beginning of Lent, when Christians "cleanse" themselves physically and spiritually through fasting.
Did you know?
American inventor Benjamin Franklin discovered the lightning rod thanks to experiments he conducted with a kite and a key.
“Kites rise highest against the wind - not with it.”
A fun activity for all
Flying kites is an activity often associated with childhood and joy.
Children and adults flew kites as a sign of freedom and happiness, expressing their joy at the coming of spring and the imminent rebirth brought about by the Resurrection.
Many years ago, when we were children, it was customary to make kites with our parents to fly on Clean Monday. Of course, there were also the classic kites in toy stores, as there are today, but the time we spent with our parents making our own kites as we imagined them was invaluable.
I am always struck by how few people fly kites on unrelated days when they go on a trip to the countryside with their children. It's such a fun activity for the whole family!
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