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

Author: Lu Zhongmin
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-05-01
Features: Monkey Year, folk paper-cut 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, a perfect gift for collection. 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, refers to the year of birth () and the resemblance (). The twelve zodiac signs originate from ancient China's sexagenary cycle (), where each of the twelve animals is paired with one of the twelve Earthly Branches (), resulting in (rat), (ox), (tiger), (rabbit), (dragon), (snake), (horse), (sheep), (monkey), (rooster), (dog), and (pig). By associating these twelve animals with human birth years, the twelve zodiac signs emerged, becoming popular as early as the Southern and Northern Dynasties period and even more so during the Tang Dynasty. People link their impressions of animal habits with zodiac personality traits, and even their entire lives, forming a unique Chinese zodiac culture. Folk paper-cuts depicting the twelve zodiac signs reflect the direct understanding of zodiac culture in agricultural times, serving not only as decoration but also embodying people's aspirations for life. The hour of Shen (), between 3 PM and 5 PM, is said to be when monkeys are most vocal, with their calls long and loud, hence the association with the monkey zodiac sign. Because Sun Wukong, the Monkey King, held the position of "Bima Wen" () under the Jade Emperor in the classical Chinese novel Journey to the West, folk artists depicted monkeys as guardian deities for stables and pastures, using the homophone "Bima Wen" () to wish for the safety and health of livestock. Thus, due to Sun Wukong's role as "Bima Wen," the monkey became a guardian spirit and auspicious symbol for livestock. Monkeys have a close relationship with humans, and their impression is one of agility, intelligence, and playfulness.