| There are many kite festivals in China. The custom of | | | | folder. Match the size of your kite to the length of the |
| kite flying is tied to the ancient religious rituals of | | | | disposable chopsticks or bamboo skewers you will use |
| releasing diseases or calamities with the kite. The | | | | for cross pieces. Unfold and draw your Chinese |
| Ch'ing Ming Festival falls 106 days after the winter | | | | symbol on both sides of the kite with washable |
| solstice. It is a time to remember ancestors. Families | | | | markers. |
| pay respects to their dead relatives by visiting and | | | | Fold your kite vertically along its center line. Punch out |
| cleaning their grave sites. Ch'ing Ming means "Pure | | | | two small holes using a pin or the tip of a paperclip |
| Brightness." It is a celebration of springtime and the | | | | near the top and bottom of kite. Unfold and fold the |
| renewal of life. This festival takes place on the 4th or | | | | kite horizontally about one third of way down from its |
| 5th of April. This year it takes place on April 4, 2009. | | | | top. Punch three holes each on the left and right sides |
| Now lets make a tiny Chinese Kite to celebrate Ch'ing | | | | of the kite. Weave the disposable chopsticks or |
| Ming. First off you will need to pick the Chinese symbol | | | | bamboo skewers through the holes in a lower-case T |
| for your kite. Make sure it's bold enough to be seen | | | | shape. |
| from the ground. | | | | Cut a piece of strong thread for the kites bridle and tie |
| Supplies you will need:manila file | | | | it to the spine. Tie a small loop of thread to the bridle. |
| folderscissorsdisposable chopsticks or a bamboo | | | | Attach another loop to the bottom of the spine and |
| skewerwashable markerspin or paper clip to poke kite | | | | connect a long length of ribbon to it for the kite tail. Tie |
| holessewing thread | | | | a kite flying line to the thread loop on your bridle. Your |
| Directions | | | | kite is ready for take off. Adjust the length of the tail |
| With scissors, cut out a small, heart-shaped kite | | | | to help the kite fly evenly. |
| (without the dip in the top) from a folded manila file | | | | |