User:Yimiao Zhang/sandbox

Window paper-cuts Introduction

Window paper-cuts belong to paper-cutting pasted on windows for decoration. Chinese people usually call it “window flower”. In the past, no matter in South or North China, window paper-cuts were pasted on windows during the Spring Festival. But now in South China, window paper-cuts usually appear in wedding ceremonies instead. In North china, window paper-cuts are still popular during the Spring Festival. Window paper-cuts are used to foil atmosphere of the festival, so they are made of red papers which color represents happiness and festival in China. The style of window paper-cuts is usually free, except the flower pattern on the corner. The theme of window paper-cuts has a wide range, the most popular of which is based on the stories of traditional Chinese opera. As most buyers are farmers, the content of window paper-cut usually describe farming, spinning, fishing, Poultry farming and so on.

History

Window paper-cuts have a history more than 1,000 years, as it first appeared in Han Dynasty. Then it became popular and formatted its style in Song Dynasty. Window paper-cuts belong to paper-cutting. So when paper was first made in Han Dynasty, paper-cutting appeared as a kind of Chinese folk art. Paper is a kind of material which mildews and rots easily. In the southeast of China, it usually rains in May and June, which makes paper mildew and rot in a not long time. As a result, people in southeast didn’t keep it as treasures, and it is hardly for us to find paper-cutting at that time. On the contrast, the weather in the northwest of China is usually dry, which makes it possible for us to find paper-cutting made in the Northern Dynasties in Turpan, Sinkiang province. When paper-cutting passed down to Tang Dynasty, the skills of handcraft became mature. Paper-cutting was not only a kind of handcraft, but also a piece of artwork, as it could express the idea through the pattern. In Ming and Qing Dynasty, paper-cutting experienced its peak development. Folk paper-cutting spread to a wider range and had abundant means of artistic expression. Paper-cutting was used to decorate doors, windows and walls to show happiness and festival.

Cultural connotation

The content of window paper-cuts has a broad range, such as stories of opera, Chinese historical myths and beautiful Chinese landscapes. Even the scenes of life and words represent good luck are also contained. At first, window paper-cuts beautify the living environment. Second, it represents people’s desire of better life and pursuit of dreams. Therefore, as a part of festival activity, window paper-cuts have become the objects that people exchange their appreciation of the beauty.

Spring begins and window paper-cuts

Window paper-cuts have a close relationship with Spring begins, as it has been a way to welcome spring since ancient times in China. In many areas in China, especially in North, when spring comes, people like to paste window paper-cuts on the window to express their happiness. Since Song and Yuan Dynasty, people change the time to the Spring Festival in order to welcome Chinese New Year. Through pasting window paper-cuts, people decorate their home to show their joy, happiness and good intentions. Reference

1. Zhang Shuxian. Chinese Folk Paper-cutting[J]. China Today (Chinese version), 2005,(05)

2. Zhuang Zhiyun. Folk Paper-cutting[J]. Chuang Zuo Ping Tan, 2006,(02)