Wycinanki

Matt Schofield Minooka TAP Wycinanki

Wycinanki (Vee-chee-non-kee) is the art of paper-cut design in Poland. Some say that it originated when few farmers owned glass windows. In order to keep out the elements, these peasant farmers would drape sheep skins over window openings. Then to let in some air and light, the farmers would snip out small opening in the skins with sheep shears. Soon these cuts were recognized as decorative as well as functional. In time, colorful Wycinanki were pasted on furniture, roof beams, hung in windows, and sometimes they were given as gifts. Modern Wycinanki is made by using techniques such as: Cutting, clipping, punching, tearing, and carving paper in multiple layers which are the glued together. They are found in homes on walls, furniture, etc. Today, contests are held for Wycinanki to prove the most experienced paper cutters. In present day, Wycinanki designs include: Peacocks, roosters, and other birds; circular or star-shaped medallions; flowers; and annual holidays such as Christmas and Easter. The most basic form of the art is Kurpie. Kurpie cuts include a single color and were most likely pasted on whitewashed walls. These whitewashed walls served as a great background for these paper cuts. They most often served as a substitute for wall paper. Other than wallpaper, they decorated furniture, cupboards, cradles, shelves, and even coverlets. Eventually more elaborate Wycinanki, called Lowicz. Lowicz originated in an area West of Warsaw which thrived more than the region North of the capital where Kurpie was developed. This elegant form of Wycinanki consists of an arrangement of overlapping paper cuts. It was usually exposed on doorways, windows, and on the walls of single-story rural homes.

__Meanings__ White: Purity Red: Love, celebration, triumph Green: Hope, growth Blue: Peace Orange: Happiness Yellow: Jealousy, envy Purple: Imperial, regal Brown: Strength Black: Commemoration, remembrance Grey: Slumber Birds: Freedom Heart: Love Roosters: New beginnings Flowers: Giving Peacock: Beauty Tree: Life Circle: Perfection with no end or beginning