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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.
Imperial officials The prized job in dynastic China was as an Imperial official. As well as prosperity and a life of relative leisure an official received respect from the community. As anyone who passed the Imperial examinations could hope for such an appointment the posts were potentially open to all men. 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.
Toad Frogs and toads are valued in China because they keep down insect pests on crops. In some regions their name is similar to qián 'money, coin' and this has given them an association with good fortune and luck. 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