Lucky dragons bid farewell to the old year, as the lovely snow brings fragrance and blessings. To celebrate the New Year of 2025, the Shanghai Youdao Public Welfare Service Center held a special window paper-cutting day at the Fifth Community Activity Room of Fengpu Street, Fengxian District, for nine local children. Everyone started a fantasy journey of traditional folk customs to cut out signs of the New Year for their windows.
On the day of the event, the activity center was filled with warmth and joy. The colored paper, scissors and pencils on the table instantly ignited curiosity in the children’s eyes. Under the patient guidance of the teachers, the children first carefully observed the exquisite examples of window paper cut-outs. The lifelike patterns told ancient Chinese New Year stories, and gave the children ideas for their own creations.
Origami, outlining, cutting… Every step was full of the children’s concentration and enthusiasm. Wtth the small scissors shuttling between the papers, and the paper scraps flying, various forms of the word “Spring” emerged along with playful zodiac signs and lovely little flowers. Although the technique might have been a little immature, each window paper-cut was a New Year’s tribute to their childlike innocence and imagination.
When the children pasted their paper-cuts onto the windows, the bright red not only illuminated the activity room, but also spread the festive atmosphere of the New Year to every corner of the community.
For the children, this event was a first exploration of folk culture and the spark of traditional skills; for Youdao Charity, it was a gift of love. With just a piece of red paper, it built dreams for the children in the community and prayers for long-lasting blessings and warmth in the New Year!