Chinese Knots

Chinese knots are typical local arts of China. The distinctive and traditional folk handicraft is woven separately from one piece of thread and named according to its shape and meaning. In Chinese, "knot" means reunion, friendliness, peace, warmth, marriage, love, etc. In addition, "knot" and "luck, felicity" sound quite alike, so Chinese knots are often used to express good wishes, including happiness, prosperity, love and the absence of evil. Symmetrical knots are symbols of blessing and good fortune. They are not only used for festive decorations, but also for traditional costume necessities.

Chinese people knew how to tie knots using cords ever since they began learning how to attach animal pelts to their bodies to keep warm thousands of years ago. As civilization advanced, Chinese people used knots for more than just fastening and wrapping. Knots were also used to record events, while others had a purely ornamental function. Chinese knots developed in Tang and Song dynasties and became popular in Ming and Qing dynasties. After decades of negligence, they were once again picked up by people in China as decorations and gifts for traditional holidays like the Spring Festival. The exquisitely symmetrical knots that come in so many forms are as profound as the great cultural heritage of the Chinese people.