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Paper Cuts 1

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Communities: Chinese Folk Arts

by Chief Lingeasy on 03-19-2007 07:56 PM
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China's paper cuts have a long history, with the oldest known paper cuts dating back to the North Dynasties period (386-581 A.D.). Paper cut art is created all over China, though regional variations exist. Traditionally, the styles of paper cut art corresponded to one of two functions: fertility, or preventative and curative properties. An example of the former might be a paper cut of a pomegranate blossom attached to the marriage bed; an example of the latter might be a paper cut of a tiger on the door of the room where a mother has just given birth to a son--the tiger was supposed to scare away evil.

Lotus (Gentleman among flowers): Harmony and Purity

Lotus is the Asian symbol of purity because the flower emerges from the mud unstained. Therefore, Buddhist and Hindu deities sit on thrones of lotus blossoms.

Lotus (heihua, 荷花), symbolizes marriage in addition to purity. He (荷) is a pun for "harmony" (和). The lotus is one of the few plants whose seedpod is already evident when the flower begins to bloom. To the Chinese, this excellent omen augurs the early arrival of sons. The seedpod bursting with seeds symbolizes fertility. The lotus leaves (荷叶), like the blossom.

Boy (Zi 子)

In a culture in which the absence of sons is a catastrophe. It is important to ensure that one has a descendant to carry on the family name. In the picture, the boy in play ensure the arrival a healthy baby.