Chinese paper-cuttings

山東菏澤思源學校 路冬梅

Paper-cutting is one of the most popular decorative Chinese handicrafts. It is popular for its low cost and artistry. Rural women often make paper-cuttings in their spare time when farming is not busy.Folk paper-cutting conveys the content and nature of traditional culture with its own particular language. The history of paper-cutting can be dated back to the 6th century. From the 7th to 13th century, paper-cutting became popular especially during Chinese festivals. The art spread to the rest of the world in the 14th century.

On the one hand, in rural areas, paper-cutting is traditionally a handicraft for women. In the past,every girl was supposed to master it and brides were often judged by their skills. Professional papercutting artists are, on the other hand, usually males who earned guaranteed incomes by working in workshops.

Paper-cuttings were mainly used in regional rituals, decorations and styling. Today, papercuttings are used as decorations, and they are usually made with red paper, which is the most popular and propitious （吉祥的） color in Chinese culture. They can be used to decorate walls, windows, doors,pillars, mirrors, lamps and lanterns, and they themselves can also be given as gifts. Paper-cuttings were also used to serve as the mould（模具） pattern for making embroideries （刺繡） and spray paintings.

Paper-cuttings are popular because of their expression of wishes and hopes. In ancient times,limited territory, restricted culture together with the occurrence of natural disasters made people desire for a happier living. Wishes for wealth, health and longevity are conveyed through paper-cuttings. For example, during the Chinese New Year, the character “Fu （福, blessing）” is pasted upside down on the door to express people's wish for the coming of “Fu”. At a wedding ceremony, a red paper-cutting with the character “Xi （囍, double happiness）” is a traditional and essential decoration, while patterns of dolls, gourds （葫蘆） or lotus （蓮花） symbolize wishes for children. At a birthday party of an old person, paper-cuttings with the character “Shou （壽, longevity）” are often seen.

It is easy to learn how to make paper-cuttings, and required tools are simply a piece of paper and a knife or a pair of scissors. But to master this art is not easy at all because it requires much effort,practice, craftsmanship and imagination. There are two methods of making paper-cuttings. One is using scissors, and the other is using knives.

Why are paper-cuttings popular?