Paper Cuttings is a traditional folk art in China. Its origin can be traced back to the ancient Han culture. The earliest Paper Cuttings appeared in northern China. The skill and style of Paper Cuttings have different forms of expression throughout China, but the most famous Paper Cuttings art is common in Shanxi, Shaanxi, Hebei, Sichuan, Fujian and other places. Especially in Shanxi and Hebei, Paper Cuttings art has strong local characteristics and historical traditions.
Paper Cuttings is not only an art form, but also has profound cultural connotation. It is often used to express folk customs such as festivals, praying, marriage, etc., which deeply reflects the life and belief of the Chinese people. In 2009, Paper Cuttings was included in the list of intangible cultural heritage of mankind by UNESCO.
The value of Paper Cuttings as a cultural heritage
Historical value: Paper Cuttings carries a wealth of historical information, reflecting people's life, beliefs and aesthetic concepts in different periods.
Cultural value: Paper Cuttings is an important part of the traditional culture of the Chinese nation, reflecting the wisdom and creativity of the Chinese people.
Artistic value: Paper Cuttings is a unique art form, which is loved by people because of its simple, exquisite shape and rich meanings.
Educational value: Paper Cuttings can cultivate people's aesthetic ability, practical ability and creativity.
Paper Cuttings as intangible cultural heritage
Because of the unique value of Paper Cuttings art, it has been included in the UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This is not only a high recognition of Paper Cuttings art, but also promotes the protection and inheritance of Paper Cuttings art.
Although Paper Cuttings art originated in China, it has been widely spread and developed in the world with cultural exchanges and dissemination. As a unique cultural heritage, Paper Cuttings carries rich historical and cultural information and has important artistic value and educational significance. It is everyone's responsibility to protect and inherit Paper Cuttings art.