Cross stitch (Huayao cross stitch)

Name of China's national intangible cultural heritage: Tiaohua (Huayao Tiaohua)

Applicant: Xupu County, Hunan Province

Project No.: 324

Project No.: Ⅶ - 25

Time of publication: 2008 (second batch)

Category: traditional art

Region: Hunan Province

Type: Extension Project

Applicant: Xupu County, Hunan Province

Protection unit: Xupu Cultural Center

Brief introduction of cross stitch (Huayao cross stitch)

Applicant: Xupu County, Hunan Province

Huayao is a branch of Yao nationality. There are more than 12000 people living in the mountains of about 1300 meters above sea level at the northern foot of Xuefeng mountain in Hunan Province. Huayao has its own national language, but no national characters.

Huayao cross stitch is popular in Xupu area of Hunan Province, which is mainly used for the decoration of Huayao dress. The theme of cross stitch can be divided into four categories: the first is a variety of common animals and plants, the second is a picture of a better life, the third is historical stories and folklores, and the fourth is national beliefs and myths.

The main technique of Huayao cross stitch is called "yarn clearing" method, also known as "needle counting method". It uses ordinary cross stitch needles as tools, white yarn, multicolored silk thread or multicolored wool and cyan earth woven fabric as materials. It has fine technology, wonderful conception, novel conception, unique pattern, strong contrast and profound implication. It truly achieves the spirit of form, reflecting the subtle, mysterious and rough spirit Style features, the whole work is permeated with a simple and honest native beauty. Huayao cross stitch is the treasure of our national folk art. In these cross stitch works, the ideal and reality, form and content achieve a harmonious and perfect unity, which not only reflects the ethnic characteristics of Huayao, but also contains the national history of Huayao.

At present, the young people of Huayao are accustomed to wearing simple and convenient Han clothing except for wearing national clothing on their own national festivals and weddings. Since the intermarriage of Yao and Han, Huayao women no longer wear national clothing and no longer engage in cross stitch work, which greatly reduces the role of cross stitch in Huayao people's life. In addition, it's hard to learn the cross stitch craft, so most young people are reluctant to learn it. Now there are fewer and fewer local people who can do it. If we don't take protective measures as soon as possible, Huayao Tiaohua will face the risk of being lost.