It is common knowledge that China has a long history and glorious history in both arts and traditional crafts. These are just two of the many jewels in China’s over five thousand-year culture.
Paper cuts is one of the many traditional Chinese crafts. 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.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 paper cutting artists are, on the other hand, usually males who earned guaranteed incomes by working in workshops.
Today, Chinese paper-cuts are used for religious and ceremonial purposes. They are buried with the dead and burned at funerals. They were also used as offerings to ancestors and the gods. Additionally, paper-cuts are chiefly used as decorations. They are also to be used as patterns, especially for embroidery and lacquer wears. They can also adorn walls, windows, doors, columns, mirrors, lamps and lanterns in homes. Chinese people believe that the red paper-cuts on the door can bring good luck and happiness to the whole family. The paper-cuts are more often seen during traditional Chinese festivals, particularly in Chinese New Year, the Spring Festival. They are also given as presents or gifts to good friends or other family members. In Chinese traditional culture, paper-cuts can reflect many aspects of life such as prosperity, health, or harvest.
During the Spring Festival, the character “ Fu (福)” is pasted upside down on the door to express people’s wish for the coming of happiness.
When a man and woman get married, the red paper-cuts with the character “Xi (囍)” is a traditional decoration. It is believed that this paper-cut will bring the new couple happiness.
At a birthday party of an older person, paper-cuts with the character “Shou (寿)” 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. Scissor cuttings can make several paper cuttings at one time by cutting several papers together, while knife cuttings are made on a swampy mixture of ashes and tallow, which can make only one piece at one time.
