Flying kites on Clean Monday, a hallmark of Greek Orthodox tradition,
Flying kites on Clean Monday, a hallmark of Greek Orthodox tradition, is more than a playful pastime — it carries deep historical and spiritual significance. Observed at the start of Lent, the custom symbolizes purification and the uplifting of the human spirit after the exuberant Carnival celebrations.
The practice has roots stretching back thousands of years. In ancient China, kites were initially crafted from wood and used in religious ceremonies, magical rituals, and for exorcising evil spirits. The higher a kite soared, the greater the fortune it was believed to bring. Historical accounts even suggest that prisoners who survived rides on manned kites were granted freedom.
Kite festivals have long marked seasonal transitions. In northern India, they welcome spring with spectacular ceremonies rooted in Hindu mythology. Similar traditions occur each February in Lahore, Pakistan, echoing pagan celebrations of the past.
Ancient Greece also had early encounters with kite-like devices. The mathematician Archytas of Tarentum (4th century BCE) used kite experiments in aerodynamics, and classical Greek pottery depicts girls holding small kites, suggesting recreational or experimental use. However, widespread paper kites were introduced much later, as paper was scarce in Greece until the medieval period.
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