Appreciation of Chinese Folk Art · Paper Cutting · Twelve Zodiac Animals (Rabbit in the Year of the Ox)

Author: Lu Zhongmin
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-05-01
Features: Monkey Year, folk paper-cut with rustic charm, can be combined into a book or used as 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 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 Southern and Northern Dynasties period and even more so during the Tang Dynasty. People link their impressions of animal habits to their zodiac personalities, 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 the agricultural era. They served not only as decoration 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 depicts monkeys as guardian deities at cow and horse stables, using the homophone "Bima Wen" (meaning "avoid horse plague") to wish for the safety and health of livestock. Thus, due to Sun Wukong's role as "Bima Wen," the monkey became a guardian and auspicious symbol for livestock. Monkeys have a close relationship with humans, and people perceive them as: agile, intelligent, and playful.