The custom of cutting window grilles in traditional festivals

Folk paper-cutting refers to those paper-cutting works that express traditional cultural concepts such as folk psychology, beliefs and wishes.

China is the country that invented papermaking. As early as the Western Han Dynasty, China began to make paper. Cutting patterns from paper is for paper cutting. At present, the earliest paper-cut patterns were found in the Northern Dynasties, and the Five Blessingg Tuanhua paper-cut in this period was unearthed near the Flame Mountain in Turpan, Xinjiang. These paper-cuts are made by folding the paper several times and then cutting it.

Three of them are geometric patterns with even sides, staggered levels, complex changes and rich sense of rhythm. The other two are more complicated. Outside the inner circle of the geometric shape, cut out a circle of horses and monkeys respectively. One front paw is attached, and the other front paw is held high, as if to climb a nearby branch. From the varied dynamic structure, it can be explained that monkeys are playing in the forest, giving viewers a fresh and perfect feeling.

Folk paper-cutting is a typical traditional folk art in China, with the longest history and the most popular features. It is the art of producers, that is, the art of working people. It is attached to folk customs and accompanied by festivals. It has a strong sense of jubilation and auspiciousness, often expressed by homophonic and symbolic means, and all its thoughts are within the scope of attraction.

Fish playing lotus and butterfly love flowers have profound meanings and sing the eternal theme of life, national reproduction and good wishes. Folk paper-cutting is subtle and beautiful, and it is affectionate. It is an idyllic poem written without words, with the warmth and sweetness of a woman. It has always been appreciated and valued by Chinese and foreign scholars. It is of great academic value to folklore, ethnology, history and aesthetics.