National Go Fly A Kite Day

A group of children wearing colorful summer clothes, running on a beach shore while flying kites against a clear blue sky.. — National go fly a kite day illustration

Hey there, kite enthusiasts! Grab your wind-friendly contraptions and get ready to soar high in the sky because it's National Go Fly a Kite Day! This whimsical celebration has gained quite a bit of attention online, with 11 mentions detected on the internet. The peak of online chatter about this exciting day happened on April 16, 2018. So, hold on to your kite strings, and let's dive into the fascinating world of flying kites!

When is Go Fly A Kite Day?

It's national go fly a kite day on the 16th April.

The Origin of National Go Fly a Kite Day

Have you ever wondered why we dedicate a special day to flying kites? Well, let me enlighten you. Kite flying has a long and captivating history that dates back thousands of years. Ancient Chinese and Greek civilizations enjoyed this activity as a popular form of entertainment and even used kites for practical purposes like sending signals or measuring distances.

But how did National Go Fly a Kite Day come into existence? Well, we couldn't find any concrete evidence of its origin story. It seems to have magically appeared, probably because someone realized that flying kites brings immense joy and boundless fun!

Tips for a Spectacular Kite-Flying Adventure

To ensure you have the most incredible kite-flying experience, here are some helpful tips:

Choose an open space without any power lines or trees to avoid any unexpected complications or a tangled mess in your string.
Check the weather forecast and pick a day with a gentle breeze. A strong wind may take your kite a little too far and turn it into an impromptu world traveler!
Prepare your kite by assembling it carefully and making sure everything is securely fastened. You don't want your kite's tail falling off mid-flight!
Hold the string with both hands and start running against the wind to let your kite gracefully sprawl through the sky. And remember, if your kite decides to land with a thud, don't worry—it's all part of the fun!
Lastly, don't forget to take pictures! Capture those precious moments of your kite soaring, twisting, and twirling above. It's like having a piece of sky in your photo album!

Did You Know?

Did you know that the largest kite ever flown stood as tall as a 13-story building? Yeah, you heard that right. It was a colossal masterpiece with a gigantic wingspan of 30 meters. Talk about a kite that could double as a UFO!

History behind the term 'Go Fly A Kite'

1753

Origin of kite flying as a recreational activity.

Kite flying has a rich history dating back to the 5th century BC in China, but it wasn't until the 18th century that it gained popularity as a recreational activity worldwide. In 1753, Benjamin Franklin, the American polymath and Founding Father, conducted his famous kite experiment to prove that lightning is a form of electricity. This experiment sparked interest in kite flying among the general public and helped elevate it as a recreational pastime.

1820

The Origins of Kite Flying

Kite flying has been practiced for centuries in many cultures around the world. It is believed to have originated in China around 2,500 years ago. The first kites were made from bamboo and silk, and were used for various purposes such as signaling, measuring distances, and even testing the wind. The tradition of flying kites quickly spread to other parts of Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.

1800s

Kite Flying as a Leisure Activity

By the 19th century, kite flying had become a popular pastime in many countries. People enjoyed the challenge of building and flying kites, often competing with others to see who could fly their kite the highest or for the longest duration. Kite flying was seen as a way to enjoy the outdoors and spend quality time with family and friends.

1887

The origins of the expression 'go fly a kite'.

The phrase 'go fly a kite' originated in the late 19th century in the United States. It was commonly used as an expression to dismiss or repel someone. The exact origin is unclear, but it likely derives from the idea of redirecting someone's attention by suggesting they find an engaging activity, such as flying a kite. The use of this phrase became prevalent as kite flying gained popularity as a leisurely pursuit.

Old English Slang

The Emergence of 'Go Fly a Kite'

The phrase 'go fly a kite' is believed to have originated in the late 19th century in England. During this time, 'kite' was a slang term used to refer to a worthless or fraudulent document, such as a promissory note. It is thought that the phrase 'go fly a kite' was initially used as a euphemism for dismissing or rejecting something or someone, implying that the person or thing was as pointless as flying a kite with no wind.

1905

Entry of 'go fly a kite' into the American lexicon.

'Go fly a kite' gradually entered the American lexicon and became widely used in the early 20th century. The phrase found its way into various forms of media, including newspapers, magazines, and novels. Its usage expanded beyond dismissing or repelling someone, often being employed to convey exasperation, frustration, or disbelief. The association with the recreational activity of kite flying added a whimsical touch to its meaning.

Early 1900s

Popularization of the Phrase

In the early 20th century, 'go fly a kite' gained popularity as an expression used to tell someone to go away or leave. It was often used in a sarcastic or dismissive manner, suggesting that the person should occupy themselves with something trivial or unimportant, like flying a kite. Over time, the phrase became ingrained in the English language and spread beyond its original context.

1960s

Popularity and continued usage of 'go fly a kite'.

During the 1960s, the expression 'go fly a kite' experienced a surge in popularity. It became especially common among young people as a light-hearted way of telling someone to leave or find a new interest. Its usage could be found in various contexts, ranging from playground disputes to casual conversations. The enduring popularity of the term further solidified its place in everyday language and cultural references.

Present day

Widespread usage of 'go fly a kite' as a colloquialism.

Today, 'go fly a kite' remains a prevalent colloquialism in the English language. Although the phrase may have lost some of its initial dismissive connotations, it has evolved into a mild and playful way of suggesting that someone should find an alternative activity or divert their attention elsewhere. While kite flying itself holds deeper cultural and historical significance, the expression 'go fly a kite' lives on as a lighthearted suggestion to explore new horizons.