The traditional Chinese intangible cultural heritage “paper-cutting” entered the University of Potsdam, Germany

中共东明县委宣传部2024-12-16 09:34

　　Sunlight shines through dappled leaves on an ancient building on the campus of the University of Potsdam, Germany, December 8, 2024. Song Jiefang, from Dongming County, stood in a brightly lit classroom, surrounded by a group of curious German classmates, and an exchange activity about the art of paper-cutting was about to begin.

　　Song Jiefang smiled and raised the exquisite paper-cut work in his hand, and began to introduce it in fluent English: "Look, this is the Chinese paper-cut art, which has a long history, which can be traced back to a long, long time ago. In traditional Chinese festivals and festive occasions, paper-cutting plays an extremely important role. As he spoke, he gently unfolded a Spring Festival-themed paper-cut, and on the red paper, vivid zodiac animals and auspicious flowers jumped on the paper, causing the students to exclaim.

　　A German student asked curiously, "Song, how did you cut out such a complex pattern?" Is there any special tool? Song Jiefang shook his head with a smile, picked up scissors and a piece of paper and demonstrated on the spot: "Actually, you only need an ordinary pair of scissors and a piece of paper." Fold the paper in half, then cut it from the edge according to the idea in mind, like this...... "His fingers nimbly manipulated the scissors, and the confetti fell, and in a few moments, a simple flower pattern appeared on the paper.

　　The students gathered around and watched intently. Another student asked, "Does this paper-cut have any specific meaning?" Why does it appear during the Spring Festival? Song Jiefang patiently explained: "In Chinese culture, the patterns of paper-cutting have meanings. For example, the bat symbolizes good fortune, and the plum blossom represents tenacity and nobility. During the Spring Festival, people decorate their houses with paper-cuts to pray for happiness and good fortune in the new year. ”

　　With the deepening of the exchange, Song Jiefang also shared with the students the style differences of paper-cutting art in different regions: "The paper-cutting style in the north is relatively rough and bold, with simple and powerful lines; The southern paper-cuts are more delicate and delicate, with rich and diverse patterns. The students listened with relish, and some also tried to pick up scissors, under the guidance of Song Jiefang, carefully cut out their first paper-cut work, although it was slightly clumsy, but the classroom was full of laughter and enthusiasm for the exploration of paper-cut art.