A SINGULAR CHINESE CUSTOM.

Oamaru Mail, Volume I, Issue 252, 12 February 1877, Page 3

A SINGULAR CHINESE CUSTOM.

When the time has come round for the Chiller to observe their Annual national festival of Hying kited, tlie Mongolians, as far as ctrcitinstances permit, pay all tine respect to the ancient custom. The tradition runs that it is necessary to lly the lutes from elevated gronml to avert tlie danger that is apprehended if tlie pastime or this measure of safety is neglected. In Chinese dwellings ingeniously-constructed kites may he seen intended for use. They are of various shapes and colors, some large and others small, and it would seem that they were to be despatched into the air without cord or twine attached to wherever the breeze might carry them. Generally the kites represent fish ; others are like an eel or some similar looking

animal. Birds, butterflies, and bugs are also represented, and a few resemble men sailing through the air. A favorite form is an imitation of eight diagrams invented bv o:i r j of the earliest Chinese Emperors. There are immense kites consisting as a whole of a large number of smaller ones made in imitation of the different blocks that constitute the game of dominoes, from the ends of which extends a reed or rush four or live feet in length. Nearly all the kites are gaudily painted. The most common and simple are usually adorned with the head of a tiger, or the dragon, or some idol. Remarkable skill is exhibited in the construction of these trifling articles, and it may be said that the Chinese are unsurpassed in this kind of work. It ma}' prove of interest to know the origin of this singular and almost childish custom of flying kites on a particular occasion during the year. Great importance is attached to it in China, and laws exist there for regulating the observance of the feast. It seems that in the ancient times, a certain man was informed by one who pretended to know the future, that on a specified occasion some calamity would befal his household or his property. Acting on tins hint he took all his family on the day of expected trouble, and went to the hills, spending the time as best he could. On returning at nightfall he found (hat all his domestic animals were dead. In imitation of his example, the Chinese since that occurrence go to the hills and thus avoid any domestic calamity which might happen to them if they were to stay at home: and to while away the time pleasantly they take along their kites and tly them. This is called "ascending on high,'' and is indicated by the flying kite;;.