Paper cutting or tearing is a cultural tradition in China. For centuries, it has been passed down from one generation (一代人) to the next, especially from mothers to daughters. This beautiful art created by skillful artists is used to decorate (装饰) doors, ceilings, and beds in people's homes, or at celebrations such as birthdays and weddings. At Chinese New Year, window flowers are glued to windows, creating beautiful patterns of light and shadow.
The two main techniques (技艺) used are cutting the paper using a knife or scissors, or tearing it by hand. If the paper is cut, the edges (边缘) are very smooth. Paper cutting can produce very fine and delicate work. This type of work is typical of southern China. If the paper is torn by hand, the edges are more simple and natural. Tearing is used more in northeast China. In addition, different parts of China have their own motifs or pictures. These motifs can express many stories, ideas and emotions.
It can be hard to hold on to traditions like these because young people don't know much about traditional art. Often they prefer spending their time on newer pastimes. The experts are getting older. If young people don't learn the traditions, they won't be able to pass them down to their own children. But recently there is a change. There are more exhibitions of traditional art. Artists are going into schools to teach children how to do paper cutting. Children enjoy working together with artists and talking to them about the meaning of their art. In this way, they are becoming proud of their culture and traditions.
