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

Author: Lu Zhongmin
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-05-01
Features: Monkey Year, folk paper-cut with rustic simplicity, 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 collecting. Among the numerous folk paper-cuts across the country, the twelve zodiac signs are one of the most common themes. The zodiac, also known as the Chinese (shengxiao), refers to the year of birth () and resemblance (). 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 the order: Zi (rat), Chou (ox), Yin (tiger), Mao (rabbit), Chen (dragon), Si (snake), Wu (horse), Wei (sheep), Shen (monkey), You (rooster), Xu (dog), and Hai (pig). By associating these twelve animal branches with human 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 traits to their zodiac personalities, and even their entire lives, forming a uniquely Chinese zodiac culture. Folk paper-cuts depicting the twelve zodiac signs reflect the direct understanding of zodiac culture in agricultural times. They served not only as decoration but also as expressions of people's aspirations for life. The "Shen" time, corresponding to 3–5 PM, is said to be when monkeys are most vocal, with their calls long and loud, hence the association with the monkey zodiac. Because Sun Wukong, the Monkey King, held the title of "Bima Wen" (), a court position under the Jade Emperor, in the classical Chinese novel Journey to the West, folk art depicts monkeys as guardian deities for livestock pens and stables. The homophone "Bima Wen" () was adapted to "Bima Wen" (), meaning "avoiding horse and cattle diseases," as a wish for livestock to remain healthy and safe. Thus, due to Sun Wukong's association with "Bima Wen," monkeys became protectors and symbols of good fortune for livestock. Monkeys have a close relationship with humans, and their image is often perceived as: agile, intelligent, and playful.