Flying Colours

Kite flying originated in China around 1,500 years ago. Kites made from silk and bamboo became popular for a variety of reasons. As early as the 6th century AD, they were used to measure distances, gauge wind speed and direction, and send signals and orders in battle. 

At Unity in Diversity we prefer to keep things peaceful, but the traditions of our service users and volunteers from around the world fascinate us. When a group of Afghani friends shared their passion for kite making and kite flying in 2023, we were happy to follow their lead.

In Afghanistan, vibrant multi-coloured, patterned kites are a symbol of pride, freedom, and the power of the national culture to endure through challenging times. Many of the Afghani immigrants we’ve met have had to endure challenges that we can’t imagine. The kites they made, and helped others to make, were a beautiful showcase for their culture and a very welcome addition to ours. Using split bamboo rods, tissue paper and string, we made kites over a three day period. Young people of all backgrounds and cultures applied themselves to their tasks with diligence and care, mixing and matching colours to create beautiful designs. The end result? Thirty kites, each distinctive and individual, And a group of happy young people ready and equipped to celebrate a tradition dating back fifteen centuries with an enjoyable outdoor activity that added colour to the Swansea skies. 

Good things happen when like-minded people support each other, and we’re grateful to our friends at the Western Bay Community Cohesion Team for the funding that literally helped this project get off the ground. Their Small Grant Fund exists to help build stronger, safer, more inclusive communities in Swansea, Neath, Port Talbot and Bridgend. We value their partnership and take pride in what we achieve together. 

The period when kite flying originated is commonly referred to by historians as the beginning of the Dark Ages, following the fall of the Roman Empire and before the Renaissance. One of the lessons of Unity in Diversity’s Kite Project is that even in dark times, there’s always light and colour somewhere in the world, and we’re thankful to our Afghani friends for reminding us of it.