Wau Bulan

A typical Wau Bulan

Wau bulan is an intricately designed Malaysian moon-kite (normally with floral motifs) that is traditionally flown by men in the Malaysian state of Kelantan.It is one of Malaysia's national symbols, some others being the Kris or hibiscus.The reverse side of the fifty-cent coin of Malaysia (1989 series) features an intricately-decorated wau bulan with a hummer on top.
 .
 The word ‘Wau’ is believed to have been derived from the Arabic letter ‘Wau’, because the shape of the wing resembles the outline of that particular letter. Many legends and local folklore surrounds the origin and even method of handling the Wau. It is said that in the past, farmers used the Wau as a sort of flying scarecrow to ward off birds from their paddy fields, and the sounds made by the Wau once it was airborne was said to lull their children to sleep which in turn gave the farmers ample time to tend to their crops without any distractions.

The most popular of all the Wau’s is indeed the “Wau Bulan”. A name that certainly fits one of the three country’s official kites, the name takes after the shape of the moon because the tail of this Wau is resembles that of a crescent. One of the more stable kites amongst the others, the “Wau Bulan” is known for its easy handling and stability during strong winds. The origin of the “Wau Bulan” is said to have been during the days of the Sri Wijaya Empire, where according to legend, a young prince named Dewa Muda utilised the usage of the Wau by mapping out the districts that he had conquered on the Wau itself, which he will then display to his people.

Today, the “Wau Bulan” that is still present in our modern day society takes on a more different, almost up to date look compared to its original design. The upper and lower part of the Wau is more elongated rather than its originally rounded shape. The busur or strings attached to the head of the Wau emits a coarser sound compared to the softer sounds made by the “Wau Bulan” of yesteryears.

Unlike both its Kelantan counterparts, the “Wau Jala Budi” has a unique feature in which its name and shape did not originate from its surroundings or any sort of animal; which is how a name is usually chosen for a particular Wau. Many actually believe that the “Wau Jala Budi” got its name due to the shape of its tail which resembles the ‘daun budi’; a type of leaf commonly found in the state of Kedah. The word ‘jala’ which means net, was later adapted because the strings attached to the tail of the Wau looked like a net being cast into the air when the kite was in flight. The two words were then later combined into one; thus the name “Wau Jala Budi” was then acknowledged and used till this day.

It is in fact up to us; the present generation to cultivate the love for a fading cultural heritage such as the Wau. To preserve its wonderful accompanying stories and folklore, to help mould the new generation into future and even better kite makers than their predecessors, and to bring the Wau into new uncharted heights on an international level. It is hoped that the strings that keep the beauty of our proud culture will be held longer and will be led up higher into the sky for many years to come for the benefit and knowledge of our future generation.