Paper Arts and Knot Tying of China, Japan, and Korea

Introduction
In this lesson, you will learn the different paper arts like paper folding,
paper cutting, paper kite making, and paper knot tying which was very popular in the
East Asian artworks since the ancient times until today. It is just simple and yet very
challenging and full of fun while doing it.

Discussion

Paper arts of China

In the development of arts, paper is known to have a great contribution not only in
East Asia but all over the world. It was first invented in the Eastern Han Dynasty in China
by Cai Lun. It is indeed one of the greatest impacts in the development of arts of ancient
China.
A paper art of China includes paper cut, Chinese knots, and paper folding and
paper kites. Chinese folk art is created with materials that are naturally found within the
locality. This shows that the Chinese are nature lovers.
It has been an inspiration of every folk artist through its values of simplicity, the
philosophy of their community, and the emotional and psychological characteristics of
their nation throughout major periods in history. It somehow contributes to the
conservation of their beliefs and tradition and other cultural practices.
A picture of a small paper boat in an edition of Tractatus de Sphaera Mundi from
1490 by Johannes de Sacrobosco is the earliest document that will prove that paper
folding was one of their artworks.
The traditional funerals in China which include burning yuanbao which is a folded
paper that looks like gold nuggets or ingots called sycee. Burning of yuanbao is also
used for other ceremonial practices. This kind of burning is commonly done at their
ancestors’ graves during the Ghost Festival.
A sycee is a type of silver or gold ingot currency used in China until the 20th
century. The name is derived from the Cantonese words meaning ―fine silk‖. One of the
Chinese paper arts was patterned with a sycee. It is a gold paper folded to form like a
sycee. Nowadays, Chinese made an imitation gold sycee which they used it as a symbol
of prosperity and are frequently displayed during the New Years’ celebration of Chinese
people.

Paper art of Japan - Origami

The traditional Japanese art of paper folding is called origami. The term origami
came from ―ori‖ meaning ―folding‖ and ―kami‖ meaning ―paper‖. Therefore, origami
means the process of folding a paper into representational shape or object. It started in
the 17th century AD and was popularized internationally in the mid-1900s. It is eventually
evolved into a modern popular art form.
Transforming a flat sheet of paper into a finished sculpture through folding and
sculpting
techniques without cutting as much as possible is the goal of this art.
In the Heian period(794-1185) in Japanese history, Shinto wedding celebrations
uses
Origami butterflies to represent the bride and groom, so paper folding had
become a significant aspect of Japanese ceremonies.

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 Some of the common models used in Japanese origami are flowers, animals,
birds, geometric shapes, and dolls.

Decorative Chinese Paper Cuttings

 These are usually symmetrical in design when unfolded and adapt the 12
animals of the Chinese Zodiac as themes and motifs and mostly choose the red color.
 The earliest use of paper was made as a pattern for lacquers, decoration
on windows, doors, and walls.
 Chinese Buddhists believe that hanging ―Window flowers‖ or decorative
paper cuttings, like pagodas and other symbols of Good Luck, attract good luck and
drive away evil spirits.
 The process of paper cutting is aided by a pair of scissors or knife and
other sharp flat cutters.

JIANZHI
Since paper was invented by the
Chinese, their first type of paper
cutting design is Jianzhi,. The
cutouts of Jianzhi are also used to
decorate doors and windows
which are sometimes referred to
as chuanghua,meaning―window
flower‖.

Kite Making
A kite is an assembled or joined aircraft that was traditionally
made of silk or paper with a bowline and a resilient bamboo.
Chinese kites can be originated in Wei Fang Sandong, China
was the capital city of kites during the Song Dynasty (960-1279),
and by the Ming Dynasty (1368-16440). Since 1984 the city has
been hosting the largest international kite festival on Earth.

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 Pregnancy-related Concerns and Pre-natal Care

Introduction
Pregnancy can be one of the most amazing times in a woman’s life. This is
a time to take extra special care to ensure a woman and her baby stay completely
healthy. Pregnancy profoundly affects a woman’s body in many ways. Her metabolism,
hormones, body weight and nutrient needs all change. Eating a healthy diet, gaining the
proper amount of weight and making positive lifestyle choices all can help a woman have
the healthiest possible pregnancy. In this module, we’ll discuss prenatal health in terms
of healthy lifestyle choices and food safety.

Discussion
Maternal health care includes family planning, preconception, and prenatal 
and postnatal care. It also includes educating women about the risk factors of
pregnancies. 
A. Prenatal Care
If a female is expected to be pregnant, it is necessary for her to practice
good health habits. Below are some tips to follow during pregnancy. 
Visits the obstetrician for regular checkups during  pregnancy and follow
his advice. 
1. Proper nutrition is very important to sustain health. Extra calorie, protein,
iron, and calcium are needed during pregnancy.
2. Eating fresh vegetables and fruits are necessary.
3. Vitamins containing folic acid is necessary for the formation of red blood
cells. 
4. Proper exercise is needed not only for the proper circulation of blood but
also for helping the body withstand pain especially during labor.
5. Avoid drinking alcohol and cigarette smoking.
6. Exposure to radiation such as x-ray is dangerous.
7. Dental care is important for your overall health.
8. Do not wear tight clothes. 
B. Child Care

Birth to Eighteen Months

Taking care of a newborn baby is both exciting and challenging on the part of
parents. It is a demanding work that goes on round-the-clock. Parents should set a daily
routine for proper nurturing. Regular check up by a pediatrician is one way of nurturing
the child.

Eighteen Months to Three Years

At this stage, children are learning to manipulate objects such as toys. To

continue nurturing, the parents have to be alert and always keep an eye on the
child at all times. 

The Four Core Steps of Essential Newborn Care  

 Immediate and thorough drying

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  Early skin-to-skin contact
 Properly timed cord clamping
 Non-separation of new born from mother for early breastfeeding

Three to Six Years

At this stage, children learn to play interactively, make friends, learn to behave
and begin to school. Parents find themselves in the role of teacher. 
Seven to Twelve Years
At this stage, the child needs proper guidance, encouragement, and
respect from the parents. 

Newborn protocols are procedures and guidelines on protecting the life of a

newborn 
The goal of newborn protocol is to decrease the child mortality rate in our country.
According to the Department of Health, “young babies die in the Philippines at an
estimated rate of 40,000 annually”. To solve this problem, they develop this newborn
protocol. 

What are the newborn care practices? 

1. Immediate and thorough drying. Dry thoroughly the body of the newborn  for at
least 30 seconds.

2. Early skin-to-skin contact. If the new-born is breathing and crying, it 

must be placed on the mother's abdomen or chest. The new-born's back should
be covered with a blanket and its head with a bonnet. 

3. Properly timed cord clamping. Clamp the cord using a sterile plastic clamp or
tie at 2 cm from the umbilical base then clamp again at 5 cm from the base. Cut the cord
close to the plastic clamp.

4. Non-separation of new-born from mother for early breastfeeding. 

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