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      September Selection

      Can we fly this thing on the sky?

      Show Off Wau
      1. photo size: 65K
      Yes! We can fly this thing on the sky.
      This is wau, a large and colorful Malaysian kite. We call it wau because the shape of its wing is similar to an Arabic letter (pronunced "wow"). There are various types of wau such as wau kuching (cat kite), wau merak (peacock kite), and wau bulan (moon kite). Each wau also comes with different design and size.

      * Wau Bulan

        Some of the waus look like animals. You can find fish, bird or frog-shaped wau on our sky, but the most popular (the most impressive too) wau is wau bulan (moon kite), is named because of its famous crescent-shaped tailpiece (No, they can't fly to moon). Wau bulan usually have a 2.5 metres wing span and height measuring up to 3.5 metres (taller than any basketball player). In a windy day, wau bulan can reach a height of more than 450 metres. Malaysian Airline System has chosen it as logo, to symbolize controlled flight.
        photos: 3 photos of Wau Bulan

      * Making Wau

        Wau-making is an ancient art inherited from the Melaka court who popularised the kite-flying sport. The art/skill is usually passed down from father to son. Kite-making requires tremendous skill and patience. First, they use split bamboo to make the frame of the kite. Then they cover the frame with tinted, shiny glazed paper. Intricate floral cutouts and designs are delicately pasted on this paper until the wau is ready for its final decoration of bright paper tassels. A bow-shaped device is attched to the neck of the kite - this will provide a pleasant, high-pitched humming sound when the kite is flown on the sky.
        Wau-making has become a declining art in the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia. Occasionally, you may see small wau-making activities along the road of villages, but they are not as prevalent as they were two decades ago.

        photos: 2 photos of wau-making, silver handcrafts of wau

      * Fly! Fly! Fly! Wau-flying Festival

        Traditionally, after the harvesting of padi, the people will rejoice and take part in kite-flying sport, when farmers have spare time to decorate and fly these waus. Today, this event also happens in conjunction with the royal birthday celebrations. Kite flying competitions are often held in Terengganu and Kelantan state. The person who posses wau that is superior in design and flying height will be the winner.
        photos: 5 photos of wau flying sport
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