Actually, nearly every woman in Heyang can make very good dough flower. In Heyang, there is one tradition that when the women are making dough flowers, they prevent men from being present, because they think it will bring bad luck and the dough flowers they make won't look good.

A tiger made of dough is the favorite among the Heyang people. When the daughter gets married, the mother will make a tiger for her, because they believe this will bring good luck to the daughter's future life.

  Paper cut -- a job that men can also do

Paper-cuttings are one of China's most popular forms of visual art. Paper and scissors are the usual materials used. Paper cuttings have been a traditional art form that can be traced back to the 6th century.

Paper-cuttings can be used as an ornament in gates, windows, walls, columns, mirrors, lamps, and lanterns. In festivals especially during New Year, it is very important to put paper-cuttings at the entrance gates for it brings good luck for the family. Paper-cuttings can also be used for religious purposes. These serve as decorations for sacrificial offerings to the ancestors or the gods. 

In Chinese folk culture, the art of paper cutting occupies a significant amount of time in various folk activities. As early as the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279), professional paper-cutting craftsmen had emerged. It was once a handicraft that every native girl could master. In fact, paper-cut craftsmanship was often used to judge good brides-to-be.

Traditionally, mothers passed the craft of paper cutting down to their daughter. But now, in Guanzhong, many men pick it up out of interest, and many can even do better than the women.

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