CHILDHOOD MEMORIES
Kites, a symbol of childhood, whose origins and origins are unknown, have long been a source of spiritual nourishment for countless young souls. Kite flying is a beloved traditional game enjoyed by children throughout the countryside.
When it comes to kite flying, everyone will surely remember the days spent roaming the rice fields after harvest, covered in jagged stubble, and flying kites soaring in the wind. Childhood back then didn't have many modern toys.
In the afternoons after school, children would gather in the fields, carrying kites they had made themselves from bamboo, paper, or nylon.
With just a gentle breeze, the children excitedly ran across the field, their mouths laughing loudly, their eyes following the kite as it slowly tilted and rose into the sky.
The kites of childhood were simple, yet they contained a whole world of creativity. Thin strips of bamboo were bent into frames; old newspapers and notebooks were glued together to form the body; the kite tails were made from long strips of fabric tied together. Everything was made by the children themselves, clumsily but with great pride. Sometimes, a slight misalignment would prevent the kite from flying, and the whole group would work together to fix it, trying again and again until they succeeded.
The greatest joy comes when the kite catches the wind, the string tightens, and it slowly soars higher. That feeling is hard to describe – a mix of excitement and nervousness, as if you yourself are flying along with it. Those who fly their kites higher and more beautifully proudly show off, while others, unwilling to be outdone, diligently work on making new kites.
Such afternoons often last until sunset. Golden sunlight spreads across the fields, kites cast shadows against the sky, and the sounds of children calling out to each other echo far and wide.
Sometimes, they would get so engrossed in playing that they'd forget the time to go home, only to be called by their parents. They'd hastily reel in their kites, clutching them and running back home with laughter still lingering in their ears.
More than just a game, kites are also a vessel for the innocent dreams of childhood. These are dreams of soaring high and far, of exploring new and exciting things in the world.
Watching kites soar in the sky, every child has imagined the vast horizons they will one day reach.
Mr. Le Minh Thai (from Tan Hoa commune), a resident of rural Dong Thap province, shared: “When we were children, we loved flying kites. Every afternoon we would run to the fields to play kites, sometimes getting scolded by our parents for coming home late. Now that we are older, seeing the children playing again, it suddenly reminds me of my childhood.”
"As dusk falls, the kites gradually descend, the kite flyers reel in their strings, but the lingering feeling of the kite-flying session remains – a gentle joy, enough to dispel the weariness of everyday life." |
As time passed, life gradually changed. Electronic devices and modern games became more prevalent, causing the image of kites to become less common at times.
But somewhere, in the countryside or in the small patches of sky amidst the city, kites still soar on windy days.
FLYING KITES IN THE STREET
The hobby of kite flying is not only popular in rural fields, but has also spread to urban areas, parks, and open spaces in the heart of cities, creating a vibrant picture that blends tradition and modernity.
These days, between 4 and 6 PM, the atmosphere at Hung Vuong Square (Dao Thanh Ward) becomes more lively as many people, especially young people, gather here to play and fly kites.
In the open space of the square, colorful kites soaring in the sky create a beautiful and vibrant image in the heart of the city.
As the weather begins to cool down, many families come to the square to fly kites. As the wind picks up, each kite is released, swaying and then gradually soaring higher, carrying with it the joy of the kite flyers. Tran Gia Bao (from Dao Thanh ward) said: “Whenever I have free time, I ask my parents to take me here to fly kites. It’s spacious here, and there are many friends to play with, so it’s a lot of fun.”
Not only young children, but many young people also participated, creating a lively and bustling atmosphere. Mr. Nguyen Minh Tam (My Tho ward) shared: "After work, I often take my children to the square to fly kites, both for their fun and to relax. Watching the kites fly up reminds me of my childhood in my hometown."
Unlike the expansive spaces in rural areas, kite flying in urban areas like town squares is somewhat more restricted. However, thanks to the relatively open and flat surface, it still meets the recreational needs of the people.
Many people choose areas far from lampposts and power lines to ensure safety when flying kites. Notably, in the evening, some young people even fly kites with LED lights, creating shimmering points of light in the sky, attracting the attention of passersby.
The image of illuminated kites soaring through the modern urban landscape has contributed to enriching the spiritual lives of the people.
As can be seen, amidst the increasingly busy pace of urban life, kite flying is not only a traditional folk game but also a way for people to relax, bond with family and community. It is also a beautiful tradition that should be maintained, contributing to the preservation of traditional cultural values in modern life.
SONG AN
Source: https://baodongthap.vn/tha-dieu-tro-choi-gan-lien-voi-ky-uc-tuoi-tho-a239048.html
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