The origami crane holds deep cultural symbolism, particularly in Japan. Origami, the art of paper folding, has been practiced in Japan since the 6th century AD when paper was introduced by Buddhist monks. The crane specifically has become one of the most significant origami figures. This elegant bird is layered with meaning, representing happiness, loyalty, and peace.
What is an Origami Crane?
An origami crane is a paper crane made using the art of origami, or paper folding. Origami cranes are a popular folding subject and are often used as decorative pieces or given as gifts.
To make a traditional origami crane, a square piece of paper is folded intricately using a sequence of folds and pleats. The end result is a lifelike paper crane with outstretched wings and a slender neck and beak. Origami cranes are most often folded using thin square sheets of paper or washi paper, though they can be folded from paper of any size or shape.
The folding technique for the crane is ancient and has been passed down through generations. It is estimated to have been developed in Japan sometime in the 6th century AD. The origami crane is derived from the traditional Japanese origami model known as the orizuru or orizura. Orizuru translates to “folded crane” and is the Japanese word for origami crane.
History and Legend of the Origami Crane
In Japan, the crane is one of the mystical or holy creatures (along with the dragon and the tortoise) and symbolizes good fortune and longevity because of its fabled life span of a thousand years. That belief originated from ancient China, where the crane was a spiritual symbol of wisdom and was thought to live for thousands of years.
Over the centuries, origami cranes have slowly become one of the most popular figures created in Japanese origami. Though the creative art of paper folding likely originated in China, origami flourished in Japan starting in the Edo period (1603-1867). The earliest known Japanese origami model is the traditional paper crane.
One of the most enduring Japanese legends associated with the crane is that of Sadako Sasaki and the thousand origami cranes. Sadako was a young Japanese girl who lived in Hiroshima and survived the atomic bombing of the city in 1945 at age two, but later developed leukemia from radiation exposure.
While in the hospital, Sadako set out to fold one thousand origami cranes based on the Japanese legend that doing so would grant a wish. Folding cranes was said to result in good luck and long life. Sadly, Sadako was only able to fold about 600 cranes before passing away at age 12. Her story inspired the Children’s Peace Monument which features a statue of Sadako holding a crane and is adorned with thousands of garlands made of origami cranes sent in from people all over the world. Sadako’s story also popularized the tradition of folding one thousand origami cranes.
Meaning and Symbolism of the Origami Crane
The meaning behind the origami crane stems from its extensive history and spiritual symbolism. One of the most prevalent associations with the crane in Japanese culture draws from the Ancient Chinese legend that cranes can live for 1,000 years. As a result, in both China and Japan, the crane represents longevity, and folding 1,000 paper cranes (referred to as senbazuru) has become a tradition associated with making a wish for long life.
In Japan, the crane is one of the mystical or holy creatures (along with the dragon and the tortoise) and symbolizes:
– Happiness
– Loyalty
– Longevity
– Peace
– Good luck
Cranes mate for life, reinforcing the loyalty and fidelity they represent. Their dancing displays portray joy and human-like behaviors. The long necks of cranes also have the poetic meaning of helping them carry souls up to paradise. And white cranes in particular symbolize purity.
Beyond the standard meaning of good fortune and long life, origami cranes have additional symbolic associations including:
– Healing – This comes from the story of Sadako Sasaki, where folding cranes represents healing during illness. Crane designs are common in hospitals in Japan.
– World peace – The Children’s Peace Monument in Hiroshima where Sadako’s statue stands is a monument to world peace. Cranes sent to the monument from people worldwide represent working together for peace.
– Prayer and wish making – Folding 1000 origami cranes is linked to making a wish or praying for something. Completing the 1000 cranes shows dedication towards achieving a goal.
The varieties of powerful symbolism embedded into the origami crane make it a significant figure culturally, particularly in Japan. The meaning and legends behind this iconic origami model contribute to its popularity and ubiquity. They also form a deep connection many have to the paper crane.
Uses for Origami Cranes
Origami cranes are often made for specific ceremonial, spiritual, or decorative purposes. Some common uses and displays include:
– Wedding ceremonies – Cranes can be used as part of traditional Japanese wedding decorations and represent fidelity and commitment.
– Special occasions – They are often folded for births and are given as gifts for special occasions like graduations.
– Spiritual ceremonies – Many Buddhist and Shinto shrines will have strings of origami cranes as offerings.
– World peace prayers – Cranes are folded and sent in to the Children’s Peace Monument to pray for peace.
– Holiday and festival decor – Origami cranes are used to decorate homes during holidays like Christmas and are given as gifts.
– Funerals – White cranes can be placed on graves or urns at funerals due to their symbolism of purity and the transport of souls.
– Wedding gifts – Couples will commonly gift senbazuru, or 1000 cranes, to newlyweds as a wish for prosperity, happiness, and long life.
– String of cranes – It’s common to see strings of origami cranes displayed in homes or at temples and shrines for decoration and symbolic meaning.
– Wishing tree – Individual cranes with wishes written on them are sometimes tied onto trees at temples blooming with these “wishes”.
– Hospital gifts – Crane gifts are often given to sick patients in the hospital to support healing.
The significant symbolism of the crane makes it a versatile origami model that can serve ceremonial purposes while also being an endearing decoration. The popularity of crane origami ensures this figure will endure as a meaningful craft.
Interesting Facts About Origami Cranes
Origami cranes have captured the fascination of people globally. Here are some interesting facts about their history, significance, and use:
– The origami crane is one of the oldest known origami models created in Japan. Some experts estimate it was developed in the 6th century AD.
– In Japan, there is a tradition called “Orizuru Tsun,” which involves making 1000 cranes for good luck. This tradition was popularized after Sadako Sasaki’s death.
– Akira Yoshizawa, pioneering origami master, created the Yoshizawa–Randlett system of crane folding which became the modern standard form.
– Most origami paper cranes are made using square paper. But triangular, pentagonal, and rectangular paper can also be folded into crane designs.
– December 21st is “Origami Cranes for Peace Day” in Japan to celebrate the 1958 “Friendship Dolls” cranes sent to Hiroshima as a symbol of peace.
– The Senbazuru Orikata prayer book from 1797 is the oldest known book of crane diagrams and folding techniques.
– It takes about 25-30 minutes for a novice and 15-20 minutes for an expert to fold an origami crane using standard square paper.
– Origami cranes are often made from washi paper. Washi is a traditional style of paper made from the bark fibers of certain trees only grown in Japan.
– The Yoshizawa-Randlett crane folding technique has only 23 steps. But some complex folding diagrams have over 50 steps!
– Ceremonial cranes are usually made from paper that has relevant meaning. Such as cranes for weddings made from the couple’s used ceremonial papers.
The rich history and culture surrounding origami cranes provides fascinating context. From the folding techniques to ceremonial use, these facts highlight the enduring intrigue of the iconic origami crane worldwide.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Fold an Origami Crane
While there are many different ways to fold an origami crane, most modern versions stem from the Yoshizawa-Randlett system developed in the 1950s. Here are step-by-step instructions to fold a traditional origami crane:
Supplies Needed:
– 1 square sheet of paper
Instructions:
1. Start with a square sheet of paper color side down and fold it in half diagonally. Unfold it and fold it in half in the other direction. Then unfold it.
2. Fold the paper in half vertically and unfold it. This creases the paper for the next steps.
3. Using the creases made, bring the top 3 corners of the model down to the bottom corner. Flatten model.
4. Fold top triangular flaps into the center crease line and unfold them.
5. Fold top of model downwards to form a square shape. Flip model over.
6. Open the right side flap and fold the right corner over to meet the left side. Flatten down. Repeat on other side.
7. Pull the top layer of the model outwards and flatten down to form a square shape.
8. Turn model over. Fold top triangular flaps into the center and flatten entire model.
9. Fold top of model downwards again into a windmill style shape. Flip model over.
10. Lift the top flap up and fold the top corner down to form a triangle. Crease well and unfold. Repeat on other side.
11. Re-crease the wings of the model. Open the left wing, push in on the sides, and flatten. Repeat on right.
12. Fold the top of the model over again twice, reducing size. Crease very well.
13. Fold down the two side points to form a diamond shape.
14. Fold the top layer of points at the bottom up on both sides. Flip model over.
15. Inside reverse fold the wing tips upward to round them out. Mountain and valley fold the wings.
16. Your origami crane is now complete! Adjust the wings, legs, neck and beak to desired shaping.
And that’s it! With a little practice, folding origami cranes becomes second nature. They make excellent decorative gifts and symbols of peace or wishes.
Conclusion
The elegant and mystical origami crane is layered with cultural symbolism and history. In Japan, where the art of paper folding took hold starting in the 6th century AD, the crane represents good fortune, longevity, loyalty, and peace. The traditional paper crane carries spiritual meaning and has become one of the most iconic origami figures today.
Sadako Sasaki’s story popularized the tradition of folding 1000 paper cranes for a wish after developing leukemia following the 1945 atomic bombing of Hiroshima. Today, origami cranes are commonly used ceremonially, as holiday decorations, as gifts, and as offerings at shrines or monuments praying for peace and healing. Their widespread use and enduring appeal is a testament to the power of their symbolism. The origami crane’s beauty and symbolic significance ensure it will remain impactful for generations to come.