Who Flew Kites First?

The history of kites is such a long one that nobody knows about its invention. According to some people a Greek named Archytas invented the kite in the 4th century B.C., but it has been proved that kites were flown in oriental countries long before that time. Kites have always been an important part of many celebrations in China. On the ninth day of the ninth month there is a big celebration: the feast of high flight. It is a celebration of kites of all shapes and sizes. Kites have been used for more serious purposes in western countries. Benjamin Franklin flew a silk kite in a thunderstorm to prove that lightning and electricity is the same thing in 1752. Even before he used a kite with a thermometer attached to know the temperature of the clouds. In the end of 19th century the kites were being used by most of the weather bureaus. They would be equipped with instruments to record the proper situation of air-the temperature, the speed of wind and the humidity. Before the invention of airplane kites were used for military purposes. Kites could be used in wartime during strong winds when balloons would be forced down.

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