I have a box of old wooden matchboxes, which are made of high-quality boxwood. They are hollowed out and have an opening on one side, so that a pack of carton matches can be inserted into the box to facilitate the phosphorus surface for wiping fire. There is a small hole at the top, where you can pour out the matchstick and use it to rub fire. The most eye-catching thing about this box of old matches is that it has a woodcut pattern. If you look closely, it should be a pattern imitating the national emblem of New China. This matchbox may have originated in the early 1950s, when people of all ethnic groups across the country celebrated the founding of New China and used various methods to express their joy as masters of their own country. The small matchbox also became a carrier for people to vent their emotions.

Take a closer look at this box of matches. The craftsman used a yin and yang carving technique to carve five five-pointed stars on the surface of the box. Four small five-pointed stars surround a large five-pointed star, symbolizing the Chinese Communist Party. The great unity of the people of the country under the leadership of the Communist Party of China. Surrounded by wheat ears and gears, below is the Tiananmen Gate Tower. These symbols and compositions form a pattern similar to the national emblem of New China. The carving pattern is old-fashioned and has a dignified composition. Although in terms of proportion and accuracy, it is still a little far from the standard national emblem. After all, at the beginning of the founding of the People's Republic of China, there was a lot of waste waiting to be done, and the standard model of the national emblem was passed to the grassroots and The masses were not as convenient and quick as they are today, but it did not affect people's celebrations at all, and it fully reflected the enthusiasm of the people across the country for loving New China.

What is particularly interesting is that there is another pattern under the national emblem, which is actually three round "Brother Kong Fang" coin patterns. At first glance, the combination of the two seems nondescript, giving people a bit of a worldly feel. In fact, Chinese traditional culture has a long history, including paintings, sculptures and even architectural decorations. Artists and craftsmen of all ages have always liked to choose auspicious and wealthy patterns to express people's yearning for a better life, and fortune, wealth, longevity and happiness are the first choices. The picture on this box of matches is the national emblem, which symbolizes people’s love and support for the new government of New China. The picture below is a coin diagram, which reflects the people who suffered from the hardships of the old society and hope that under the leadership of the new people's government, they will have abundant financial resources and a prosperous life.