The conventional symbolic meanings in Chinese folk paper-cutting
Explanation of "Ci Hai": ""Xunzis Correcting of Names": 'There is no fixed appropriateness for a name. It is based on destiny. If it is established by convention, it is appropriate. If it is different from the agreement, it is inappropriate.' It is said that the names of things are based on peoples opinions. It is formulated with a common intention and is therefore recognized and followed by people. Later, the reason why people determine or form the name, form or social custom of something through long-term practice is called 'convention'." When a new paper-cut The emergence of symbols was first used by a few people, and most appreciators did not recognize them. Therefore, it takes a long time for most users to agree. Only after the majority of users in the whole society agree with it can this symbol be widely circulated and used. For paper-cut symbols to be widely recognized, their symbolic connotations must first be recognized.
In paper-cut works, the conventional symbols formed include the word "wan", "panchang", "fangsheng", "double money", "ruyi", etc. The word "Wan" means that the word "Ten Thousand" will never end, symbolizing the meaning of eternity and endless wealth. Fang Sheng: Double rhombus, with the corners pressed against each other, meaning auspiciousness. Mainly used on the lintels and window lattice of buildings, the length of the pan is: long pan, goldfish, white cover, conch, dharma wheel, umbrella, vase, and lotus are collectively called the eight auspicious treasures, which are the eight treasures of Buddhism. The eight auspicious symbols occupy a very important position in auspicious and festive paper-cuts. Double money: homophonic for both good fortune and longevity, often associated with bats and longevity peaches, such as good fortune and longevity. Ruyi: It was originally a Buddhist instrument. The paper-cut means everything goes well and is an auspicious item. There are also some common images on paper-cutting. Although these images are fundamentally different from symbols in shape, through the inheritance of paper-cutting, a series of conventional symbols has gradually been formed. For example: unicorn, lion, tiger, eagle, bat, elephant, bergamot, peach, pomegranate, bergamot, plum blossom, five poisons, pine, crane, snake, magpie, mandarin duck, carp, Pulsatilla, sheep, peony, rabbit, etc.
In paper-cut art works, paper-cut artists repeatedlyUsing the same traditional image symbol does not mean that paper-cut artists do not have the spirituality to create art, but that they pay more attention to the symbolic implications expressed by symbols as cultural carriers. The publics recognition of a symbol is actually a recognition of a culture. Recognition, with this recognition to meet the needs of folk etiquette and festivals. The reason why a paper-cut work is spread is not only the skill of depicting the paper-cut patterns, but also the message conveyed by the paper-cut symbols. People need common paper-cut symbols that symbolize auspiciousness to express their long-cherished wishes, and this symbol It must be recognized by everyone and be agreed upon by the collective. It shows that the symbols of paper-cutting are art carriers jointly created and used by workers.
Many traditional symbols of paper-cutting are closely related to the ancient cultural traditions of certain areas. From "snake totems" to "snake dolls" to "scratching bun dolls", these vivid and rough images represent the evolution of human beings from primitive culture to Reflecting the transition of civilization, the meanings of these cultural symbols have been unintentionally inherited and developed by peasant women during the long historical process. Because it is unintentional, the loss and transformation are even more confusing. Together with the cultural relics unearthed underground, they become a flickering remnant of the exploration of that distant era. From the "scratching bun dolls" popular in the northwest to the "Momo people" popular among the Manchus in the northeast, we can see that the symbolic connotation of a kind of paper-cut must have its customary characteristics when it spreads in a certain area and a certain period of time. The reason why this kind of paper-cut symbol is popular in the local area is that the symbolic information conveyed by the paper-cut symbol is recognized by everyone, and it has become a common practice and is widely circulated.
