Appreciation of Chinese Folk Art · Paper Cutting · Twelve Zodiac Animals (Si Snake)

Author: Lu Zhongmin
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-05-01
Features: Monkey Year, folk paper-cutting with rustic charm, can be combined into a booklet or separated into individual pages, European-style production, allows tearing off any page without damaging the booklet, an excellent choice for gifting and collection. Among the numerous folk paper-cuttings across the country, the twelve zodiac signs are one of the most common themes. The zodiac, also known as the Shengxiao, refers to the birth year ("sheng") and resemblance ("xiao"). The twelve zodiac signs originate from ancient China's Gan-Zhi calendar system. The twelve animals are paired with the twelve Earthly Branches, resulting in Zi Rat, Chou Ox, Yin Tiger, Mao Rabbit, Chen Dragon, Si Snake, Wu Horse, Wei Goat, Shen Monkey, You Rooster, Xu Dog, and Hai Pig. By associating the twelve Earthly Branches with people's birth years, the twelve zodiac signs emerged, becoming popular as early as the Northern and Southern Dynasties period and even more so during the Tang Dynasty. People link their impressions of animal habits with their zodiac personalities, and even their entire lives, forming a unique Chinese zodiac culture. Folk paper-cuttings depicting the twelve zodiac signs reflect the direct understanding of zodiac culture in the agricultural era. They served not only as decorative elements but also as expressions of people's aspirations for life. Shen, the time from 3 to 5 PM, is said to be when monkeys are most vocal, with their calls long and loud, hence the association with the zodiac sign Shen Monkey. Because Sun Wukong, the Monkey King, held the position of "Bima Wen" (Minister of Horses) under the Jade Emperor in the classical Chinese mythological novel Journey to the West, folk art often depicts monkeys as guardian deities at cow and horse stables. The homophone "Bima Wen" is used as "Bimawen" (avoiding horse sickness), wishing for the safety and health of livestock. Thus, due to Sun Wukong's association with "Bima Wen," monkeys became protectors and auspicious symbols for livestock. Monkeys have a close relationship with humans, and their impressions are: agile, intelligent, and playful.