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Kite flying….a cherished Guyanese tradition
The traditional ‘caddy ole punch’
Easter is one of the most celebrated holidays in Guyana. In addition to its symbolism of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the occasion is marked by kite-flying activities nationwide. Indeed, kite flying has become a cherished tradition in Guyana. Children in particular look forward to the event.
Some children started flying their kites weeks before the holiday especially after the schools are closed; a practice leading up to the big day.
Easter Monday is a day for family gatherings. Most people opt for their favourite picnic spots. They meet up with friends to fly their kites on ball fields, play parks, seawalls and wide open spaces.
Some preferable kite choices for older children
The kites, which decorate the skies are often different in size, colour and shape; all unique in their own way.
In some cases, there would be kite-flying competitions. And at most locations there are friendly clashes over who has the biggest or smallest kite.
Some persons dare to climb to the rooftops, other sit on their verandahs in admiration of the charming view the kites create in the sky.
‘CADDY OLE PUNCH’
Kites were first invented in China for military purposes. These early kites were large wooden kites called Muyuan. They were used to spy on enemy positions.
Kites were also used to catch fish by early natives living in the South Sea Islands.
But, in Guyana, kite lovers like the Alphonso brothers making kites have been a cherished tradition for almost two decades.
In fact, the activity has become a business for the men, who are now recognized kite vendors in the La Penitence area. They spend weeks cutting and pasting to create the best handmade kites.
The preparation would normally start in December. The brothers would make over 12,000 kites and 700 more for customers, who order.
Some preferable kite choices for younger children
“We try to make our kites with a lot of colours because that is what will catch the eyes of the little boys and girls. Right now, they have some cartoon characters and that narrow it down for some of the kids because it will be easier for them to just come and choose their favourite cartoon characters,” they explained.
But the traditional kite making process has encountered some difficulties. What was once a fun process that a father would share with his children has become almost irrelevant with the introduction of bird kites.
“I remember the good old days when my younger brother would have his friends over. We would tear pages from a book or use the old newspapers, get ‘gamma cherry’ as paste and make “caddy ole punch”.
We would take a few pointers from the broom, some black thread preferably and tear plastic bag would make the tail for the kite. But it was a fun experience. Just to try and raise the caddy,” one patron noted.
“Very few children enjoy that experience these days. Everybody wants the easy way out; a bird kite,” he noted.
Bird Kites
Bird Kites are sold almost everywhere especially during the season of Easter. It has become an ease. But many persons hold to the view that purchasing a bird kite or ready-made kites takes away from the process of making a kite.
“It can be an enjoyable experience for a father to share with his children. However, the bird kite has its advantage. Nowadays most parents work and cannot afford to sit and make the kites. So bird kites are their only choice,” a mother of three explained.
Shenika Thomas, 8 of La Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara, explained that her bird kite usually lasts for quite some time.
After last year Easter, I put my kite in a big garbage bag and put it up safe. After a while, I forgot about it and now I am flying it. I kept the new one for Easter morning.
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