A Brief Introduction of Chinese Folk Toys

As an indispensable part of traditional folk art，toys are a unique expression of the long and uninterrupted Chinese history.Religious beliefs，world view，taste，classical works and local customs，especially festivals and the‘Four Great Classical Chinese Literatures’，are all represented by the use of various techniques requiring an artisans’deepest wisdom and creativity.The advantage is that the greater ma jority of people can enjoy the pleasure of toys that are easier to make and more widelyavailable than other artistic works such as jade or silver wares，as they tend to utilize common articles that are readily available，such as cloth，grass，straw，clay，paper，and so on.Even so，it should be noted that these toys are not of a coarse manufacture，but of rustic simplicity and vivacity.

Festival Toys

Toys during festivals are quite flowery and customary.In the Spring Festival，people use firecrackers and fireworks；in the Lantern Festival，there are lanterns in the shape of lotus，monkeys，dragons，etc；in the Pure Brightness kites will be flown in the blue sky；and during the Dragon Boat Festival，people will take sachet with them.0ld people’s sachet looks like a peach，symbolizing longevity while children’s sachets are of lovely patterns，with fragrant herbs inside to ward off evil spirits. In ancient times，they were also a token of love that a girl would give to her beloved.

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