Paper cutting

Jia Shurong (L), a paper cutting artisan, teaches a girl at Hengqu experimental middle school in Luanxian county, North China's Hebei province, Dec 29, 2017. The local government has encouraged schools to open paper cutting class to teach the youth traditional cultures. [Photo/Xinhua]

The art of paper-cutting in China may date back to the second century AD, since paper was invented by Cai Lun in the Eastern Han Dynasty(25-220 AD) in China. As paper became more affordable, paper-cutting became one of the most important of Chinese folk arts.

Usually, the artworks are made of red paper, as red is associated with festivities and happiness in Chinese culture, but other colors are also used. They often appear at Spring Festival, weddings and childbirth, and always symbolize luck and happiness.