中西文化对比阅读材料1--Traditional Festivals.doc

Module 1 Traditional Festivals Text A Symbolic Chinese New Year Decorations The Chinese New Year is a very special day in the lunar calendar of this ancient civilization. One can see Chinese families decorating their homes with many different Chinese New Year decorations prepared especially for the occasion. From the insides of people’s homes to the city streets China is glittering in color throughout this season. The array of decoration items is wide and colorful,some of which have become symbols for this time of the year. Paper cuts Paper cuts are usually pasted on windows or hung on doors, especially during holidays and festivals. The most important time to make and display papercuts is during the New Year Festival. Each part of China has different styles of paper cuts. However, many paper cuts share two common themes: protection from evil forces and the health and well-being of the family. Papercut designs can be pictures of anything, including lucky Chinese words, animals, children, or illustrations of popular stories. They are often made with red paper, since red is the color that represents happiness in China. Chinese Knots Chinese knots, suggested as Wall Hanging, Auto Mirror Hanging, Lamp Hanging or Door Hanging， are espacially seen in people’s houses and stores in the streets during spring festival. Chinese Knot or Chinese traditional decorating Knot is a kind of characteristic folk decorations of handicraft art. Appeared in ancient time, developed in Tang and Song Dynasty (960-1229A.D.) and popularized in Ming and Qing Dynasty (1368-1911A.D.), Chinese Knot has now become a kind of elegant and colorful arts and crafts from its original practical use. The characteristic of Chinese Knot is that every knot is made of a single rope and named by its specific form and meaning. By combining different knots or other auspicious adornments skillfully, an unique auspicious ornament which represents beauty, idea and wishes is formed. Spring Couplets Spri