This is the year of the rooster. According to the traditions of of paper-cutting, it’s going to be an auspicious year ahead. Zhang Xiaolin, a Guinness-record holding paper-cutting artisan, explains the symbolic meaning behind the activity.
CGTN’s Sun Ye reports.
Zhang Xiaolin, the man behind the world’s largest set of paper-cut creations, is especially proud of this year’s rooster, part of this year’s batch of his new work.
The plumage comes in the lucky numbers of sixes and eights, with signs portraying ancient longevity taking center stage. China’s national flower, the peony, is here to symbolize riches and honor, and complements the myriad good omens the rooster stands for.
“Roosters have a strong connotation with prosperity in the Chinese culture. Their crowing is believed to dispel darkness and all things negative. Roosters are famous for their fighting spirit. And, their figures are often used as guardians of a household,” Zhang introduces.
Zhang says Beijing-style paper cut creations are particularly beloved because of their association with the capital’s royal history. Their red patterns are popular across China and are a must-have decoration in a new year household.
A trick behind the decoration is to hang the paper-cut upside down. And good fortune will fall on you. If you do believe in the magic power of paper-cutting, then the best time to welcome home these pieces of art, is December 25th, on the lunar calendar.