Chinese Paper Cut Class in Confucius Institute at the University of Latvia

In the evening of 6th November 2014, the night enveloped the streets of Riga extraordinarily quiet, yet waves of sound of crisp scissors came within the classroom of Elementary Class in Confucius Institute at the University of Latvia. The sound became more fair-sounding in the backdrop of melodious Chinese folk music. The students were learning Chinese paper cutting with great interest.
“What’s the difference of paper cut between north and south China?” After watching the introductory video of Chinese paper, the teacher asked. The students raised their hands quickly and a student replied“The paper cut in north is more rugged and free, while the one in south is more exquisite delicate.” “Very well,” the teacher smiled and gave her a little prize——an exquisite paper cut horse. Then, the teacher introduced the historical development of Chinese paper cut, some of the common paper cut patterns, and conducted a Chinese and Western paper cut contrast display. Then, with the guidance of teachers, students began the “Double Happiness” production. Students draw the pattern on red paper with a pencil and ruler carefully. Then they used scissors to cut out the shape. In the moment when red paper launched, everyone’s faces are exposed with happy smile. “Double Happiness” came out! Students raised the works to show to each other.
After the lesson, the students asked the teacher for more paper cut patterns for home production. “Although I am sorry to miss the previous Chinese painting lesson, but I also like today’s paper cut class.” One student said, laughing. Paper cut is one of the essence of Chinese culture. By personal experience, the students not only had a close contact with Chinese culture, but also enhance their enthusiasm for Chinese learning.