Paper-cut Index - Double happiness paper-cut - Rooster paper-cut - Spring sculpture - 5 girls paper-cut - Astrology paper-cut Chinese 3-D Paper-cut 剪 纸
This set of 12 paper-cuts are of the astrological animals which form the Chinese zodiac . There are many different paper-cut forms of the zodiac available, these was chosen because they are fairly easy to make.
All the twelve animals of the Chinese zodiac as papercut outlines.
Year of the ... Most people are familiar with the twelve years and their animals. Chinese astrology is about the year of birth rather than the month of birth and so all people born in a particular year share some characteristics. Even to this day couples arrange birth of children to fall in 'lucky' years. Read more…
To make the paper-cut , print it out on colored paper and then simply cut around the lines with scissors or a sharp craft knife. For detailed instructions on cutting out a paper-cut please see our Rooster paper-cut guide.
The cycle starts with the rat .
Outline image of the rat paper-cut to download and print.
The second year: Ox .
Outline image of the Ox to download and print.
The third year: Tiger .
Outline image of the Tiger paper-cut to download and print.
The fourth year: Rabbit .
Outline image of the Rabbit paper-cut to download and print.
Symbols and Motifs Chinese arts and handicrafts are full of hidden symbols. Bats, goldfish, peonies and bees all give a specific meaning to a painting or decoration. Exploring the world of Chinese symbolism opens up a whole new layer of appreciation. Read more…
Rooster paper-cut A simple Chinese paper-cut of a rooster (cockerel) with a lotus plant. This page gives full instructions on how to make this traditional art-work. Read more…
The fifth year: Dragon . Considered the luckiest of the twelve years to be born in.
Outline image of the Dragon paper-cut to download and print.
The sixth year: Snake . Clever and graceful.
Outline image of the Snake paper-cut to download and print.
The seventh year: Horse .
Outline image of the Horse paper-cut to download and print.
The eighth year: Sheep .
Outline image of the Sheep paper-cut to download and print.
The ninth year: Monkey . Clever and fun-loving.
Outline image of the Monkey paper-cut to download and print.
One child policy
The policy of only permitting one child per family is considered the most hated in China since the formation of the P.R.C.. It was introduced in 1980 after warnings of the dangers of over population had gone unheeded for twenty years. Mass starvation was considered the likely result. The fact that China's population has stabilized and is on track to fall slightly is a vindication of the policy despite the personal hardship and heartbreak that it undoubtedly caused. The policy has now been relaxed to llow for two children per couple. With sustainability of the world at risk one obvious way to relieve pressure is to reduce demand on food and resources. Read more…
The tenth year: Rooster/Cockerel .
Outline image of the Rooster (Cockerel) paper-cut to download and print.
The eleventh year: Dog .
Outline image of the Dog paper-cut to download and print.
The twelfth and last year: Pig .
Outline image of the Pig paper-cut to download and print
Outline image of the rat paper-cut to download and print.
Outline image of the Ox to download and print.
Outline image of the Tiger paper-cut to download and print.
Outline image of the Rabbit paper-cut to download and print.
Outline image of the Dragon paper-cut to download and print.
Outline image of the Snake paper-cut to download and print.
Outline image of the Horse paper-cut to download and print.
Outline image of the Sheep paper-cut to download and print.
Outline image of the Monkey paper-cut to download and print.
Outline image of the Rooster (Cockerel) paper-cut to download and print.
Outline image of the Dog paper-cut to download and print.
Outline image of the Pig paper-cut to download and print