Question

The Spring Festival is coming soon! Will you try making some paper cuttings(剪纸)? Paper cutting is one of the traditional folk arts(民间艺术) in China. It has a long history of more than 1500 years. People always use paper, scissors and knives to make paper cuttings.

It's difficult to tell when it started. People found paper cuts of animals in tombs(墓) in the Northern and Southern Dynasty(南北朝). By the Southern Song Dynasty, paper cutting had become an important part of everyday life. At that time, a young man would look at a young woman's paper-cutting skills before marrying her.

Paper cuttings are mostly used for decoration(装饰). In China, it is common to see paper cuttings on walls, windows, doors and mirrors during holidays. People make them to show their joy or their wishes for good luck and health. People also use paper cuttings as design patterns on clothing. They make the clothes look special and different. What’s more, paper cuttings are made to be great gifts for friends and love ones.

It is easy to learn paper cutting but very difficult to make it perfect. We need to learn how to use the scissors and the engraving knife. Moreover, we need a lot of practice to learn paper-cutting skills.

A funny thing is that, in many parts of China nowadays, paper-cuttings skills are still a must for women because people think they are a symbol of a clever mind.

1.What tools(工具) do we need to make paper cuttings?

2.When had paper cutting become an important part of everyday life?

3.Why do people make paper cuttings on holidays in China?

4.Is it easy to learn paper cutting and make it perfect?

5.What do people think of women who are good at making paper cuttings?

Answer 1