The influence of regional characteristics on symbolic meaning in Chinese folk paper-cutting
Many people’s understanding of the art of paper-cutting still remains superficial. To think that paper-cutting is the same is to appreciate its childishness and return to simplicity, but forget that paper-cutting is an art after all. It is an art that has emotional expression, its own inheritance and various creative styles. In terms of the style of paper-cutting, the paper-cutting in the south is relatively more elegant, while the paper-cutting in the north looks rough. Guo Moruo once said: "I once saw the window flowers in the North, which were innocent and rich in taste. Now I see the paper-cuts in the South, which are exquisite and clear like never before."
In terms of types of paper-cutting, monochrome paper-cutting is popular in some places, while multi-color paper-cutting, dyed paper-cutting and other forms of expression are popular in other places. In different regions, due to differences in geography, customs, ethnic groups, history, and humanities, the style of paper-cutting in a certain region is ultimately determined. Within the shapes of different styles, the different paper-cutting symbols in different regions reflect the rich and colorful , different symbolic connotations. The Manchu people, who originated between the white mountains and black waters, have paper-cut content and themes that are different from other places. This is related to their beliefs. The Manchu people believe in shamanism, and the sky, earth, sun, moon, animals, plants, etc. are all worshiped as gods. Approximately There are more than one hundred and seventy gods. Therefore, the content represented by paper-cutting is also quite wide, among which the image of "Momo people" is the most common. "Momo people" represent the gods, that is, the old lady gods. There are more than a hundred Momo gods, who are in charge of different things. Some are in charge of the reproduction of children and grandchildren, some are in charge of hunting in the mountains, and some are in charge of marriage. In short, the Momo God has omnipotent and extraordinary magical power. Therefore, the image of the Momo man in Manchu paper-cutting is a characteristic symbol of Manchu paper-cutting and has its own national cultural symbol connotation.
The Miao paper-cutting art in southwest China is also very developed. The Miao paper-cutting has maintained its own national characteristics, and many of the themes it represents are related to the origins and creation of mankind. Legend has it that the Chiyou tribe, the ancestors of the Miao people, used the dragon as their totem, so they had more dragon patterns, no phoenix patterns, but more bird patterns. In the origin of the Miao people, the symbolic characteristics of maple trees, butterflies, and birds are very obvious. The paper-cut pattern of a human head and a butterfly body is the ""Mother Butterfly", it is said that Mother Butterfly was transformed from a maple tree. She fell in love with the foam "You Fang" on the water and laid 12 eggs. Jiang Yang and Lei Gong were born, as well as 12 brothers such as dragon, tiger, snake, elephant, buffalo and ant. From then on, there were people and animals in the world. Therefore, the butterflies, maples, Jiang Yang and dragons in the Miao paper-cuttings There are many tiger themes. These themes form paper-cut symbols with national characteristics in Miao paper-cuts, reflecting the origins of their national culture. In Miao paper-cuts, these symbols can often be seen, and their symbolic meanings are also unique to this nation. of.
Daisy paper-cutting is mostly used in religious places and religious activities. Various paper-cutting patterns can be seen on the doors, walls, eaves and in front of temples. Generally speaking, the patterns on beams and columns are mainly They are mainly geometric patterns, flowers, and wisterias, and there are elephants, pagodas, fairies, monks, and Buddhas on the walls. These paper-cuts enhance the magnificence of Buddhism in the entire temple. On the eaves of the door, there are usually 15cm x 60cm square paper-cuts with continuous patterns. These paper-cuts play the role of suppressing evil spirits and exorcising evil spirits. If you stick it in the middle, it means "Buddhism is here". Among the Dai paper-cuts, "Catching the Winter" is particularly meaningful. "Catching the Winter" is a rectangular piece of paper 20 to 30 centimeters long. Half of it is a cloud pattern silhouette with a large blank area, and the other half is paper-cut with various patterns. , stick one side of the cloud pattern silhouette on a bamboo stick, and burn it with the fire on the appropriate day after the festival. These paper-cuts carry peoples hopes and blessings and send them to the world of Buddhism, linking the communication between people and Buddha. In the Central Plains, where the economy is relatively developed, there are fewer paper-cut works that express ancient natural gods, and there are more immortal themes, such as Hehe Erxian. In paper-cut works, two saints are often seen, one holding a lotus, and the other holding a wishful and treasure box. Symbolizes harmony between husband and wife. Another example is the image of the Eight Immortals, and the Dark Eight Immortals that extend from it. The Dark Eight Immortals means "only the objects held by the gods are seen but not the immortals, so it is called the 'Dark Eight Immortals'". The reason why such themes are popular in this area is also the recognition of the immortal culture by the local people. More importantly, the concept of this culture is deeply rooted in the hearts of the people. The symbols abstracted from this culture represent peoples yearning for a happy and happy life. . Because people believe that immortals with powerful supernatural powers can bring good luck and blessings.
Although Chinese paper-cut creations have the same way of thinking and are within the large cultural circle of the Chinese nation and have considerable similarities, the content of paper-cut expressions in different regions is affected by cultural differences in a certain region or nation. They are also different, so their symbolic meanings are also somewhat different.
