The Japanese carp kite symbolizes strength and courage. On May 5th, Children's Day, which used to be called Boy's Day, every family erects a bamboo pole in their garden and flies a carp kite for every member of the family. The oldest son has the largest kite.
Carp Kite Directions
2. Decorate the carp on both sides with crayons to make traditional carp kite patterns. Press hard to make the crayon bright. Leave some parts uncolored. Be sure you don't color the wrong side of the fish by mistake. It is very easy to color the inside of one half by mistake.
3. Paint over the crayon with watercolor. You can paint with water first to make a wash or just paint directly on the dry paper.
4. Glue the 2 halves of the carp together. Leave the ends unglued for stuffing with wadded newspaper. Let the glue dry.
5. Be gentle stuffing. Use a ruler to help poke in the stuffing.
6. Punch 2 holes at the mouth to tie yarn to and hang your carp kite.
1. Fold a piece of 18 by 24 inch paper in half. Draw the outline for the carp on and cut it out through both thicknesses of paper.
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Last modified: April 8, 1996
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