The use of symbolic colors in Chinese folk paper-cut patterns
"The symbolic nature of color refers to color as a form of a certain concept, feeling or association. It is a further sublimation of color emotions and can profoundly express peoples ideas and beliefs. "It" is not just It is a visual and perceptual form of perception, but a conceptual spiritual interpretation and cultural emotional sustenance." Li Guangyuan also said: "The formal characteristics of symbolic color are the use of simple colors, clear color contrast and obvious Spontaneous spiritual enlightenment." Folk colors are symbolic, paper-cutting is a kind of folk art, and the meaning of colors is also symbolic.
"Happy Flowers" Jiaozhou Wang Ruiqin
The symbolism of color can touch people’s hearts and create color associations. Therefore, the range of color symbols of paper-cut patterns is also very wide. Due to different societies, nationalities, and beliefs, people have different feelings about colors, but overall there are certain rules to follow. Red is a symbolic color with strong emotions, which combines auspiciousness and joy, and also symbolizes the prosperity of the four seasons; yellow symbolizes power, wealth, dignity, glory, etc.; green symbolizes eternal greenness, etc., which are also chosen by paper-cutting artists. It is hoped that it will not only highlight the festive and auspicious atmosphere, but also fully reflect the simplest and most sincere feelings of the working people. In addition, the different uses of paper-cut colors in various places also imply different cultural connotations. For example, the use of colors in Shaanxi paper-cutting is very simple. In the eyes of farmers, green is the color of growing crops, implying a bumper harvest and a peaceful and harmonious pastoral life in the countryside; yellow is the color of mature wheat and a good harvest. At the same time, it also has the meaning of longevity, many children and many blessings; purple represents respect for the deceased, etc., and has commemorative significance. Hui paper-cuts mostly use white and blue colors, which are symbols of vitality and purity. The blue, white and black colors of Manchu paper-cuts express more desolate, sad and other emotions. In the funeral customs of the Yi people, the paper-cuts on their lanterns are usually black and green, which also have special meanings.
Tang Jialu and Pan Lusheng believed in "Introduction to Chinese Folk Art":"As an object of visual perception, color must always conform to human visual psychological factors. It must not violate the cultural connotation of color, pay attention to the symbolism and meaning of color, and at the same time pay attention to the visual effect of color. The overall effect of color is relaxed and bright. , bright and warm." It can be seen that only when the paper-cut colors perfectly match the decoration, color and profound symbolism can the spiritual state of the paper-cut artist be reflected in the works of the paper-cut artist.
