中國剪紙

◎江蘇省錫山高級中學 任惠如 指導教師：劉揚巍

I still remember when I was young, my grandma always cut paper to decorate doors and windows every holiday. In Chinese culture, they symbolize the ideas of happiness, good luck and good fortune. Today, I’d like to introduce to you the symbol of Chinese culture in my mind-Chinese paper-cut.

Chinese paper-cut is a folk art of cutting patterns on paper with scissors or carving knives. It originated in the Northern Dynasties with a history of about 1500 years.In 2009, the UNESCO listed Chinese paper-cut as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity.

Paper-cuts are mainly used for decoration and religious purpose.

Paper-cuts used for decoration are often seen on windows and gates. Chinese character “fu” is usually put up during holidays to bring good luck. It’s believed that when “fu” is put upside down, happiness arrives. The image of fish often appears together with “fu”, which indicates we will have enough money to spend.

Paper-cuts used for religious purposes are often found in temples. People cut papers into the shape of animals and make these offerings on special days and during festivals. People also use paper-cuts with images of all kinds of gods, such as the god of wealth and the god of kitchen to express their hopes for a good life.

I have always believed that the symbol of Chinese culture is Chinese paper-cut,one of the world-class intangible cultural heritages. We should all protect and inherit these intangible cultural heritages.