Beauty in Common Things
普通物品中的美
Each different part of China has its own special forms of traditional art.
在中国，每一个不同的地区都有着它们自己独特的传统艺术。
These usually try to show the things that are important in life such as love, beauty and family.
通常，这些艺术尝试着展现生活中重要的东西，如：爱、美和家庭。
The most common things, from paper to clay to bamboo, are turned into objects of beauty.
最为普通的东西，从纸张到陶土再到竹子，都变成了精美的物品。
According to Chinese history, sky lanterns were first used by Zhuge Kongming. He sent them out to ask for help when in trouble.
根据中国历史，诸葛孔明是第一个使用孔明灯的人。他将孔明灯到放到空中是为了在困难时寻求帮助。
Today, sky lanterns are used at festivals and other celebrations. They are made of bamboo and covered with paper.
如今，孔明灯会在节日和其他庆祝活动中使用。它们由竹子制成，并覆盖了一层纸。
When the lanterns are lit, they slowly rise into the air like small hot-air balloons for all to see.
当灯点燃，它们就会像小型热气球一样缓慢地升上天空，让所有人都能看到。
They are seen as bright symbols of happiness and good wishes.
它们被视作是幸福和美好祝愿的光明的象征。
Paper cutting has been around for over 1,500 years. Paper cutting sounds very easy but it can be difficult to do.
剪纸有着超过1500年的历史。剪纸听起来很容易，但实际非常难做。
The paper, usually red, is folded before it is cut with scissors. The most common pictures are flowers, animals, and things about Chinese history.
纸张通常是红色的，在用剪子剪之前要将纸先折叠好。最常见的图案有花，动物和一些与中国历史有关的事物。
During the Spring Festival, they are put on windows, doors and walls as symbols of wishes for good luck and a happy new year.
春节期间，象征着好运和新年快乐的剪纸会被贴到窗上、门上和墙上。
Chinese clay art is famous because the clay pieces are so small but they look very real.
中国泥塑艺术非常有名，因为泥塑虽然很小，但它们看起来非常逼真。
The pieces are usually cute children or lively characters from a Chinese fairy tale or historical story.
这些泥塑通常是一些可爱的孩子，或者是一些中国神话及历史故事中的生动人物。
The pieces are carefully shaped by hand from a very special kind of clay and then allowed to air-dry.
泥塑是利用一种特殊的粘土用手加工成型，然而把它们晾干。
After drying, they are fired at a very high heat. They are then polished and painted. It takes several weeks to complete everything.
晾干之后，在非常高的温度下进行烘烤。随后，进行抛光和绘画。完成全部的步骤需要花费上几个星期。
These small pieces of clay art show the love that all Chinese people have for life and beauty.
这些小小的泥塑展示了中国人民对于生活和美的热爱。
