Kite

A kite is most commonly associated with a modern diamond-shaped flying toy. However, while kites were common in Asia (especially China), there is no indication that the modern design existed in Europe until just out of period. The first confirmed indications of what may be loosely termed as kites were flying windsocks (hollow tubes on a string or a stick). One can be seen on the Bayeux Tapestry. A few flat designs did exist late in period that were shaped like monster's heads, but they were not recorded as being used as children's toys. Giovanni della Porta in his book "Magiae naturalis" (1558) wrote how to construct a kite that he suggested could be used to lift small objects, lanterns or fireworks.

Good references

• Hart, Clive. Kites: An Historical Survey. Frederick A Praeger, Pub. 1976. New York.
• Pelham, David. The Penguin Book of Kites. Penguin Books. 1976. New York.
• Yolen, Will. The Complete Book of Kites and Kite Flying. Simon and Schuster. 1976. New York.

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A kite is also a small/medium-sized bird of prey. There are various types of kite in Europe and they were used for falconry.