Kite flying - A favorite pastime of King Bảo Đại
What makes kite flying a daily cultural feature of summer in Hue
Under the Nguyen Dynasty, kite flying was more than just a pastime; it was an elegant part of both courtly and folk life in Hue. Kite festivals and talent competitions were once bustling rendezvous points throughout the imperial city. From a simple folk game, kite flying evolved into a unique aerial puppetry art, telling stories through exquisite shapes, vibrant colors, and the very spirit of ancient operas carried by each wind-filled kite.
History of Hue Kites
Going back in time before 1945, under the wishes of Emperor Bảo Đại, the Thừa Thiên Governor’s Office frequently organized artistic kite-flying competitions. From this tradition emerged notable names such as Nguyễn Văn Bân, Đoàn Chước, Trần Văn Đông, Ưng Sừng, and Mr. Hạng (son of Ông Ích Khiêm); they were considered “aristocratic” kite enthusiasts. These individuals used new materials to improve the kites and elevate the art of kite flying: using fabric instead of paper for kite wings, and using braided fabric strings instead of the traditional bamboo fiber strings. In addition, they also drew inspiration from kite flutes in northern Vietnam to create sets of flutes for Hue kites. At that time, Hue kites were already painted, mainly in two color combinations: blue and white, or red and yellow.
Between 1935 and 1940, the craftsman Ưng Sừng was the first to create multi-colored butterfly kites, which remain popular in Hue today. Kite enthusiasts in Hue gathered into an organization called the Hội Cầu Phong. In 1973, the association was renamed Hội Thừa Phong. After the country’s reunification, Hội Thừa Phong ceased operations, but its members continued flying kites individually.
Hue kites are not merely the familiar diamond shape soaring into the blue sky. They are a miniature world of art, meticulously crafted into the forms of graceful cranes, majestic golden dragons, magnificent phoenixes, or any creature or being that sparks the kite flyer's interest.
Creating a Hue kite is a meticulous and labor-intensive process that involves multiple stages. It begins with carefully selecting and shaping bamboo, which forms the framework of the kite. The frame is then covered with fabric, and artisans must ensure the kite is perfectly balanced before moving on to the final stage—painting. The kite string, or dây lèo, plays a crucial role: it not only provides lift and stability but also determines how high or low the kite will soar. More than just a functional element, the string embodies the “soul” of the kite—it carries the personal signature and artistic flair of each craftsman, serving as the secret that makes every Hue kite distinct.
What sets Hue kites apart from others is that no two kites are ever alike. Each creation is a one-of-a-kind masterpiece, painstakingly crafted with dedication and attention to detail. Every kite represents a fusion of skills and knowledge: the artisan’s experience, architectural principles, aerodynamics, and artistic sensibility all come together to create a single work of art. Because of the time, skill, and materials involved, Hue kites are not inexpensive, yet their reputation and the passion they inspire make them highly sought-after in the market.
Try, just once, to set foot in Hue, experience the relaxing feeling on the lush green lawn in front of the Imperial Citadel, sip a fragrant picnic coffee, and watch the colorful kites dancing against the backdrop of the twilight sky. It's a peaceful interlude, a very "Hue" experience that Ancient Hue sincerely recommends for your journey to explore the ancient capital.
