What are papercuts used for?
Papercutting, across many cultures, has had metaphysical or spiritual applications. For example, silhouette portraits were considered apparatus for physiognomy during the 18th century. It was thought that a person’s character, if not soul, could be read in proportions and angles of the face. Amongst Chinese communities, papercuts are still pasted up for luck during the Spring Festival.
What is a paper effigy?
Paper effigies appear to have come into use during the Tang Dynasty (618-907CE), when paper depictions were burnt in place of the sacrifice of the real animals. Paper horse shops were popularised during Song Dynasty (960-1279CE). Whilst in the 21st century, ancestral worshippers no longer attempt to give horses to their deceased relatives, they may burn a myriad of other commodities. In addition to cars, effigies of cloths and houses are popular offerings for Qing Ming (Tomb Sweeping) and Zhong Yuan (Hungry Ghost) festivals.
Do you use scissors or knives?
Papercutting traditions evolved around China in response to the fibres used to make paper. In Guangdong Province, where there was an abundance of bamboo paper, knives were used to make cutouts. Bamboo bast fibre is short and therefore will not withstand the folding required to make cutouts using scissors. In short, the cutting tools depend upon the material I am cutting.