What is the Japanese paper bird origami?

Origami, the art of paper folding, has been an integral part of Japanese culture for centuries. One of the most iconic origami designs is the paper crane, or orizuru in Japanese. Paper cranes hold deep symbolic meaning in Japan and are intricately linked to Japanese folklore and legend.

The History and Legend of the Paper Crane

The exact origins of origami paper cranes are unknown, but they are thought to date back to the 6th century AD when origami was introduced to Japan from China. According to Japanese legend, anyone who folds 1000 origami paper cranes will be granted a wish, such as long life or recovery from illness or injury. This legend is linked to the story of a young Japanese girl named Sadako Sasaki.

Sadako was 2 years old when she was exposed to radiation from the atomic bombing of Hiroshima in 1945. 10 years later at age 12, she developed leukemia from the radiation exposure. While in the hospital, Sadako set out to fold 1000 paper cranes, inspired by the legend that it would help her get well. She folded paper cranes using medicine wrappers, scraps of paper, and any other materials she could find. Sadly, Sadako passed away before completing 1000 cranes, having folded around 600. Her friends and family completed the 1000 cranes and buried them all with her.

Sadako’s story inspired a worldwide peace movement, with paper crane folding being adopted as an international symbol of peace and healing. Today, people all over the world fold paper cranes not just for legend and folklore, but to honor Sadako’s memory and as a symbol of hope and world peace.

Meaning and Symbolism of the Paper Crane

In Japanese culture, the crane is one of the mystical or holy creatures (along with the dragon and the tortoise) that symbolizes good fortune and longevity. Paper cranes thus represent these wishes for a long life. This symbolism stems from the Chinese legend that cranes could live for a thousand years. In Japanese mythology, cranes are said to carry souls up to paradise on their wings.

The Japanese refer to the crane as the “bird of happiness” – a mystical creature that is believed to live for 1000 years. This connects back to the ancient legend that folding 1000 origami cranes will bring good luck and prosperity. Beyond just a long life, the crane can also represent hope, healing, peace, and honor.

Crane designs and origami cranes are common at Japanese weddings where they symbolize fidelity and a happy marriage. Cranes are also given as get-well gifts to sick people in hospitals or as wishing trees at temples and shrines with hopes for recovery and health.

How to Fold a Basic Paper Crane

Here are step-by-step instructions on how to fold a basic, simple paper crane:

1. Start with a square piece of origami paper, color side down. If you only have regular 8.5×11 paper, cut it down to a square or rectangle.
2. Fold the paper in half diagonally and unfold so you have a crease diagonally across.
3. Fold the paper in half again on the other diagonal and unfold.
4. Fold the top corner down to meet the crease made in step 2. Repeat on other side.
5. Turn the paper over and repeat step 4 on the other side.
6. Fold the top triangle flap down to form the crane’s head.
7. Grab the bottom flap and fold it up at a right angle, then flatten down the wings.
8. Your simple origami crane is complete! Repeat steps 1-7 to fold more cranes.

With some practice, these steps should allow you to easily fold a basic paper crane. To fold more intricate and complex origami cranes, YouTube tutorials can be very helpful.

Advanced Origami Crane Designs

Beyond the simple, standard crane, there are many advanced origami crane designs and variations to try:

• Flapping crane – a kinetic crane with wings that can flap up and down
• Modular origami crane – made from multiple sheets of paper folded then assembled
• Crane with wings down – crane shaped with pointed wings lowered
• Inflatable crane – hollow inside to puff up with air
• Dollar bill crane – folded from dollar bills instead of paper
• Tiny crane – folds that allow minuscule cranes from small paper
• Flying crane – designed to glide through the air when thrown

More complex crane designs require intricate, advanced folding techniques. The most skilled origami artists can design and fold cranes with highly detailed features like feathers, eyes, talons, and personalized expressions. Patience and practice is needed to master the folds for more advanced crane origami.

Tips and Techniques for Better Paper Cranes

Here are some helpful tips to improve your paper crane folding:

• Use thin origami or washi paper for best results. Normal paper is fine for practice.
• Follow directions carefully and make precise folds. Crease each fold sharply.
• Go slowly and stay patient through mistakes – unfolding and redoing steps helps improve.
• Try varying how tightly or loosely you fold the wings and tail.
• YouTube tutorials are a fantastic resource for learning new crane designs.
• Start with simple designs and work your way up to more complex models.
• Fold in a smooth, calm environment without distractions.
• Add your own artistic touches like custom patterns, colors, or embellishments.

Don’t worry about making mistakes! Origami takes a lot of patience, persistence, and practice. Keep working at it and learning new techniques to advance your crane folding skills.

Using Origami Cranes for Crafts and Decor

You can use origami paper cranes to create beautiful crafts, decorations, and ornamental displays. Here are some ideas:

• String multiple cranes together into a hanging mobile or garland
• Line them up on a string like flying birds or turn them into needlepoint
• Use tiny cranes to create charm bracelets or pendants
• Glue sets of cranes onto vases, boxes, or canvases as decoration
• Give them as gifts, wishing trees, or holiday tree ornaments
• Cluster them into wreaths, flower arrangements, or bouquets
• Suspend them from the ceiling or doorways for a grouped flying effect

You can incorporate paper cranes into jewelry, greetings cards, scrapbooks, pottery, and many other DIY crafts. They make great gifts and holiday decorations or just as artistic displays to enjoy. Mix and match colors, sizes, and crane designs for lots of creative possibilities.

Inspiring Trends and Variations

Origami paper crane folding remains popular today both as an enjoyable hobby and a means of creative expression. Some examples of inspiring new trends include:

• Folding cranes from recycled materials or scrap paper
• Big origami installations with hundreds or thousands of cranes
• Using cranes for activism by sending them to causes or organizations
• New 3D sculptural forms like crane balloons or wire sculptures
• Modern fashion incorporating prints and designs influenced by cranes
• Cranes folded from unexpected materials like dollar bills or maps
• Geometric and modular origami taking the crane in new directions

Origami continues evolving as artists innovate and push boundaries. One consistent theme is using cranes to represent hope and healing. Whether decorating or crafting, folding cranes is an enjoyable, relaxing hobby that helps preserve important cultural traditions.

Conclusion

In Japanese culture, origami paper cranes beautifully symbolize peace, hope, healing, and longevity. From ancient legends to inspiring modern expressions, paper crane folding persists as a meaningful folk craft. With some simple instructions and practice, anyone can learn to fold origami cranes and use them for decoration, crafts, gifts, or their own personal enjoyment. This popular origami design combines creativity, tradition, and fun.