Imagine turning a simple red paper into delicate lace, a dancing dragon, or a blooming flower — with just scissors (剪刀 — jiǎndāo)! That’s the magic of 剪纸 (Jiǎnzhǐ), a 1,500-year-old Chinese folk art. What is 剪纸 (Jiǎnzhǐ)? Born in the Han Dynasty (汉朝 — Hàn Cháo) as grave offerings, later used for window decorations (窗花 — chuānghuā) to ward off evil spirits. Every cut carries meaning: • 双喜 (Shuāngxǐ) : Double Happiness (for weddings). • 福字 (Fúzì) : Blessing/Good Fortune (upside-down = “福倒了” = “Fortune arrives!”). • 鱼 (Yú) : Fish = Abundance (“年年有余” — nián nián yǒu yú). 4 Key Styles to Know: 北方剪纸 (Běifāng jiǎnzhǐ) — Bold & Simple (e.g., Shaanxi farmers’ art). 南方剪纸 (Nánfāng jiǎnzhǐ) — Delicate & Intricate (e.g., Fujian lace-like designs). 对称剪纸 (Duìchèn jiǎnzhǐ) — Symmetrical (fold paper, cut once, unfold magic!). 彩色剪纸 (Cǎisè jiǎnzhǐ) — Multi-layered colored paper (for festive scenes). How to Make Your First 剪纸 (in 3 Steps!): 折纸 (Zhézhǐ) — Fold red paper (红纸 — hóngzhǐ) 对折 (duìzhé — in half) or 四折 (sìzhé — quarters). 画图 (Huàtú) — Lightly draw (画 — huà) a design (e.g., butterfly, flower). 剪 (Jiǎn) — Cut (剪 — jiǎn) along the lines! Unfold gently — 惊喜! (Surprise!) Pro Tip: Start with 窗花 (chuānghuā) — simple snowflakes or flowers! Learn Chinese Through 剪纸: Tools: 剪刀 (jiǎndāo), 刻刀 (kèdāo — carving knife), 红纸 (hóngzhǐ). Actions: 剪 (jiǎn — cut), 折 (zhé — fold), 贴 (tiē — paste). Culture: Discuss 春节 (Chūnjié — Spring Festival) or 婚礼 (Hūnlǐ — wedding) traditions! Try these sentences: “我想学剪纸。” (Wǒ xiǎng xué jiǎnzhǐ.) — “I want to learn paper-cutting.” “福字代表好运。” (Fúzì dàibiǎo hǎoyùn.) — “The ‘福’ character represents good luck.” |
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