2010-1-6
(CAAI News Media)
The International Kite Festival kicked off on Wednesday, and attracted participants from around the world including China, France, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Sweden.
[Sim Sarak, Event Organizer]:
"I'm very happy, even though there was not enough wind to fly the kites, but all of them could fly. Especially the children whom we hope that they will continue to keep this kite flying culture in the future."
Kite flying was banned during Cambodia’s Khmer Rouge-era. But many Cambodians are happy that the age-old tradition is being revived.
[Sim Sarath, Kite Maker]:
"The kite represents our unforgettable culture."
Traditional Khmer kites have a sounding bow at the top, which makes a low humming musical sound when flown.
[Hay Yieng, Villager]:
"I used to see our elders make and fly their kites attached with the 'Ek' in the olden times and it sounded beautiful especially at night.”
In the past, straight hard bamboo were used to make the skeletons of the kite, while tree leaves were weaved together to form the kite bodies.
At a kite flying competition kites will be judged on beauty and flying technique.
The winner of the contest will be announced on Thursday.
Khmer kites, originating around 400 BC, were traditionally flown during harvesting season. Cambodians believe that flying a Khmer kite represents peace and happiness for them as well as friends across the world.
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