The art of paper-cutting in China has a long history,which originated(起源于)from the 6th century. As paper became cheaper,paper-cutting has become one of the most important types of Chinese folk art.Later,this art form spread to other parts of the world,with different areas adopting(采用)their own cultural styles.Because the paper cuts are often used to decorate(装扮)doors and windows,they are sometimes referred to as“window flowers” .
　　Scissors and knives are the basic tools to make a paper cut,and the subjects are different in fig- ures,such as flowers,birds,characters,familiar folk stories and fairy tales. It's also common to see some Chinese characters on paper cuts.The most famous paper-cutting characters in Chinese are words meaning“lucky”and“double happiness” .Even these days,Chinese people love to hang pa- per-cutting of these two characters at their doors.
　　Chinese paper cuts were used for some purposes in the past.They have been buried with the dead. At the same time,paper cuts have special meaning on festivals and holidays.
　　Paper cuts are made in many areas through the country; in general,the northern style is bold and free while the southern is beautiful and smooth.
　　People express wishes and hopes with paper cuttings.As a national non-material culture herit- age(遗产),paper-cutting is really wonderful.