Kites have always been a source of inspiration. Some of the greatest scientist and inventors used kites in many of their most famous experiments: Benjamin Franklin’s Leyden jar experiments, and the Wright brothers’ first attempts at maned flight, both involved kites. Today, kites are still a source of inspiration, and for color lovers, they are flying color palettes.

The kite was popularized about 2,800 years ago in China, where an abundant supply of superior materials were available; silk, for the sail and flying line, and bamboo, for the structure. However, it is believed that the first kite was invented by Chinese philosophers Mozi and Lu Ban in 5th century AD.

Benjamin Franklin began using kites in 1752, and his experiments set the base for the next 150 years of meteorological study. Most famously were his experiments to figure out if the atmosphere worked similarly to a Leyden jar in the presence of an electrical charge.

“It’s amazing that Franklin was not killed during this experiment, as others who tried to reproduce it were. Many people trying the experiment according to Franklin instructions were knocked on their butts. Even Franklin admits that he had killed many a turkey in his trials and had himself been knocked unconscious by a charge from one of his Leyden jars. He eventually learned to ground his wires.” - Kite History

“…I found that by lying on my back and holding the stick in my hands. I was drawn along the surface of the water in a very agreeable manner. Having then engaged another boy to carry my clothes round the pond, to a place which I pointed out to him on the other side. I began to cross the pond with my kite, which carried me quite over without the least fatigue and with the greatest pleasure imaginable.” - Benjamin Franklin

Photo by Riv

Alexander Graham Bell developed the first tetrahedral kite in the early twentieth century while attempting to create a kite strong enough to support a man and a motor in flight.

Years of kite flying by Wilbur and Orville Wright led to the discovery that a Hargrave box kite was strong enough to support a man, and led to the development of a biplane kite which was the design for the first airplane.

Kite Color Inspiration

More kite information: Kite History, Wikipedia

Header Image from ronnie44052