Kites of Childhood

Kites and childhood are beautiful symbols deeply rooted in the spirit of the countryside. Who hasn't, at least once, let their dreams soar high in the wind on a kite during their childhood?

When I was a child, my friends and I from the neighborhood would often gather in the garden every summer to whittle bamboo and weave kites. Sometimes, when we were really stuck, we'd even take our mothers' conical hats to the fields and use the rims as slats. On peaceful summer afternoons, sitting together making kites was the most joyful thing ever. One would make the frame, another would stir the glue, another would cut the paper, and another would glue it on. Whether it was a curved kite or a triangular one, each kite was meticulously crafted, with tails and wings properly attached. We also prepared the kite strings ourselves. Each of us would wrap over a hundred meters of fishing line, thread, and other materials in a tin can. We'd find all sorts of things ourselves. We might use threads from cement bags or armor, or even steal fishing line from our fathers. Basically, we'd make do with whatever we could find. The best part was flying the kites. The sky was vast and boundless. The wind blew freely across the fields, and on the open field at the edge of the village, we'd gather together, competing and releasing our dreams into the sky. Even the midday sun didn't matter; the joy made us forget everything else. No need for a hat or jacket, they're too cumbersome; just wearing shorts is the lightest option. Then, running briskly in the wind, I'll pull the kite up into the air.

Illustrative image.

The stronger the wind, the longer the string, and the higher the kite flies. When the string is fully taut, gazing at the kite high in the sky, one truly feels the exhilaration of childhood happiness. If the string breaks, it's okay; we can whittle bamboo strips to make a new one, and it's still as joyful and exciting as before. The greatest joy of childhood is wanting to create what you dream of with your own hands.

But that was in the old days. Nowadays, while kite flying is still a passion for children, it doesn't seem as popular anymore. Kites still soar in the countryside and fly in the city, but they're all just ready-made goods. Instead of paper kites, they're now made of fabric, brightly colored, with long tails and wide wings. Anyone can get a green, red, purple, or yellow one, complete with string and axle... no matter how much money they have. There's no need to sit and whittle bamboo, split strips, or cut paper to make kites. If they like it, they play with it; if one breaks, they buy another. In this modern age, everything is readily available; children these days are so lucky!

It's so convenient, yet every time I see a "technological" kite fly, I feel like the soul of my homeland has been lost, and amidst its vibrant colors, only the value of money shines through.

I once again dreamt of becoming a child again, stealing my elderly mother's conical hat, taking off the brim to make a kite, and letting my dreams fly high.

Source: https://baobinhthuan.com.vn/canh-dieu-tuoi-tho-108688.html