Traditional Kites
(10
October 2005)

Click on covers above to enlarge.
In Malaysia "layang-layang" is the generic term for
kites in the Western and Southern regions of Peninsular Malaysia
such as Selangor, Melaka and Johor. In general, kites from these
states are divided into three categories namely the fighting kite,
the baby kite and the decorative kite. The kites from the West Coast
and Southern Peninsular are smaller in size. Besides that, it also
lacks decorative motifs.
Layang-layang is also known as 'wau' in the East
Coast and Northern States of Peninsular Malaysia like Kelantan,
Terengganu, Kedah and Perlis. The word 'wau' originated from the
sound derived from the 'hummer' of the kite. When in flight, the
hummer will form sounds of wau, wau, wau in rhythmic pattern. Wau
Bulan, Wau Merak, Wau Kucing and Wau Jala Budi are the most popular
traditional wau.
Wau Jala Budi
The name Wau Jala Budi is derived from a leaf found
in Kedah called the 'budi' leaf. The tail of the wau is similar to
the 'budi' leaf and the word 'jala' (net) refers to the structure of
the tail of the Wau Jala Budi. However, the basic shape and design
is similar to the other wau. When flown, the kite produces a medium
buzzing drone emitted from the 'hummer' located at the head of the
kite. The appearance of Wau Jala Budi is also similar to "Chula
Kite" originated from Thailand.
Wau Bulan
Among the traditional kites, Wau Bulan is the most
popular and most attractive in appearance. It is called Wau Bulan
because of its crescent shape and tailpiece. According to legend,
Wau Bulan originated from the Sri Wijaya Empire and symbolizes the
reunification of the empire by Dewa Muda. Wau Bulan was used by Dewa
Muda as a guide to determine the designated area to be conquered.
The Wau Bulan today has since undergone much modifications and
changes. The Wau Bulan was more widely known in Kelantan.
Wau Kucing
The design of Wau Kucing resembles the cat, and is
most apparent when seen from the back, beginning with the head, body
and tail. The specialty of Wau Kucing is its 'hummer' releasing a
screeching, high-pitched sound, similar to the sound made by cats.
The 'hummer' is also used to frighten away evil spirits and to
forecast the following day's weather. The floral and plant motifs of
the 'sobek' carvings on Wau Kucing are decorated in the same way as
the Wau Bulan.
Wau Merak
Wau Merak is also known as Layang-layang Kipas (Fan
Kite), believed to have originated from Sulawesi, Indonesia and is
flown mainly by the Bugis community. The design assimilates the
characteristics of the peacock and is not restricted by any
particular size. The specialty of the Wau Merak is its 'hummer'. The
'hummer' of the Wau Merak is capable of producing seven different
melodies or sound. The Wau Merak originally was played at night
because of the beauty of the melodies or sound release. The
decorative elements on the body of Wau Merak are mostly of plant
origin, namely creepers such as pepper and betel nut.
Technical Details
Date of Issue |
10 October 2005 |
Denomination |
30 sen, 50 sen, RM1 |
Stamp Size |
40mm X 30mm |
Miniature Sheet
Denomination |
RM2.00 |
Miniature Sheet
Size |
100mm X 70mm |
Stamp Size in
Miniature Sheet |
40mm X 30mm |
Perforation |
14 |
Sheet Content |
20 stamps |
Paper |
SPM Watermarked,
Phosphor Coated |
Printing Process |
Lithography |
Source :
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