What are the characteristics of banyan kites in Nantong?

This kind of kite made in Nantong is big and flat. Based on hexagon, it is a series of star-shaped Nantong kites through combination and change. Kites are simple in appearance and fine in painting, with dozens or even hundreds of whistle mouths of different sizes on the surface.

When these kites fly, they will make different sounds and combine into a magnificent symphony in the air, which is deafening, like a group of planes passing through the air and surging like rivers and seas.

Nantong's modeling kites are usually represented by Rugao kites, which combine lanterns, paintings and kites. Compared with kites from the North, they are more exquisite, flexible and beautiful. During the Song and Yuan Dynasties, it was definitely a great event for Nantong people to fly kites. Before flying kites, villagers should prepare kites, incense sticks and paper horses in the hall, as respectful as documents.

When flying, a strong and experienced veteran should be the "top spot". This person needs 10 people to pull the rope, and a group of people will fly with kites. This is called "throwing". If the kite flies into the sky, the crowd will be filled with cheers, because Nantong people think that the kite flying into the sky indicates a bumper harvest next year and can also symbolize all the best.

Nantong people think that the whistle on the kite can shake the earth and shock the demons. However, if the kite is broken and falls in someone else's house, it is considered unlucky or even "unlucky". Among them, the most interesting thing is that Nantong people think that women are not allowed to cross or trample on kite-flying lines, otherwise they will not be able to fly.

If this happens to Nantong people, they will go to worship incense for a few days, kowtow for protection, then tear up the kite and throw it into the river beach, and throw away their bad luck.