| It can be argued that it was the Egyptians and not | | | | traditional Chinese styles that have evolved over the |
| the Chinese, who invented paper flowers because | | | | centuries which continue to influence designers all |
| the word “Paper” comes from an ancient | | | | over the world. |
| Egyptian word “papyrus”, which is an aquatic | | | | The Chinese not only use paper to make flowers, |
| grassy plant found at the banks of the River Nile in | | | | they have taken it a step further and are known to |
| Egypt. This plant has flowers that grows in clusters | | | | produce such items as paper fans, paper lanterns and |
| at the tip of each stem; which are triangle in shape | | | | other decorative pieces. In paper cutting which the |
| and stand upright, and has long leaves. History has it | | | | Chinese pride themselves at, there is a tradition of |
| the Egyptians have been using “papyrus” | | | | using such themes from history, religious beliefs, |
| way back as 5,000 years for a variety of uses | | | | nature, the famous Chinese dragons and among |
| including as a writing material which later helped invent | | | | other things the popular Chinese Legends. Some |
| the name “paper”. | | | | pieces represent the commemoration of special |
| It is also believed that the art of making paper | | | | events such as birthdays, anniversaries, weddings and |
| flowers originated in China and goes way back as | | | | their complex designs and delicate lines symbolizes a |
| 2,000 years ago soon after paper was invented. The | | | | gift of patience and talent for the lucky person who |
| Chinese started making paper flowers, which would | | | | it is designed fo,r to treasure for life. |
| float in containers of water, to be used for religious | | | | In the Victorian days women started making paper |
| offerings, but as time evolved they were also used | | | | flower when the real flowers were out of season. |
| as a creative channel for meditation and came to be | | | | They made these flowers by unraveling a real flower |
| recognized as one of four arts the high-born Chinese | | | | and drawing pictures of them on paper, which they |
| man strived to master. The Chinese floral creation | | | | used as a template. The stems were made with wire |
| tries to depict good over evil, light over darkness, | | | | covered with green tissue paper, because in those |
| forces of the world and presents its contrast in | | | | days floral tape was probably not yet invented. They |
| forms, colors and textures. Their plant materials and | | | | used these flowers to decorate various rooms in |
| containers also represent fixed messages though | | | | their homes. It was also a favorite pastime for these |
| their choice of colors and composition and by the | | | | women who in those days were limited in their social |
| maturity and color of the flower leaves and stems. In | | | | activities. |
| today’s modern society there are still some | | | | |