Lesson 3 Chinese Paper Art
第三课 中国剪纸艺术
The Art of Paper
剪纸的艺术
Chen Zijiang is a paper-cutting expert whom I interviewed for my article on Chinese Art.
陈子江是一位剪纸专家，我要在《中国艺术》发表文章而采访了他。
Paper-cutting is something that he learned to do from an early age.
他在年幼时就开始学习剪纸。
"It is a Chinese folk art with a long history," Mr Chen told me,
“这是一种拥有很长历史的中国民间艺术，”陈先生告诉我，
"Paper cuts of animals have been found in tombs
“在坟墓里就曾找到动物剪纸，
which date back to the time of the Northern and Southern Dynasty!"
它们是南北朝时期的剪纸！”
He added that by the Southern Song Dynasty,
他还说，在南宋时期，
paper-cutting had become an important part of everyday life.
剪纸是日常生活中很重要的部分。
"A young farmer who wanted a wife would look at a young woman's paper-cutting skills before marrying her!"
“一位想娶妻的年轻农民，在娶妻前会先看姑娘的剪纸艺术。”
explained Mr Chen, laughing at the look of surprise on my face.
陈先生说着，笑着看我脸上表现出来的惊奇。
Mr Chen went on to explain that there are three types of paper cuts which people still make today:
陈先生继续说着，今天人们仍会做的有三种剪纸：
paper cuts for decoration, for religious purposes and for design patterns.
作装饰用的，用于宗教目的的，以及用作设计图案的。
Paper cuts used for decoration are often seen on windows and gates.
作装饰用的剪纸通常可以在窗户上和门上看到。
They are usually put up during holidays to bring good luck.
它们通常用在节日期间，以带来好运气。
They are also used on presents.
它们还用来当作礼物。