Traditional Crane Origami

Origami cranes are given to babies to wish them long, healthy lives.

The crane is a traditional origami form in Japan, remaining a popular and well-known symbol because of the crane's place in Japanese mythology as a sacred animal. The crane has traditionally stood for longevity and good fortune, and since World War II, the paper crane has been a symbol of peace. According to a folk legend, folding 1,000 origami cranes grants the folder a wish, so paper cranes are common gifts for weddings and births.

Folding Cranes

Like other origami forms, paper cranes begin with a square sheet of paper and a series of folds made to transform the flat paper into a three-dimensional structure. In traditional origami, it is important that cuts and tools are not used to arrive at the final form. The crane is made from a series of folds that thicken it enough at points to stand on its own.

Senbazuru

In Japanese folklore, cranes are said to live for 1,000 years, which is why the origami crane is a symbol of good luck and longevity. A senbazuru, which is a collection of 1,000 paper cranes, is considered especially lucky and powerful. A senbazuru may be presented to the bride and groom to wish them 1,000 years of happiness, or paper cranes may also be given to a new baby to wish her a long and healthy life.

World Peace

Since World War II, the traditional paper crane has been associated with world peace, inspired in part by the story of Sadako Sasaki, a young girl who died of leukemia as a result of radiation from the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima. Her attempt to fold 1,000 cranes before her death in 1955 has been documented in a number of books, songs and films, most notably in Eleanor Coerr's novel, "Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes."

Renzuru

There are other origami techniques associated with the paper crane, most notably renzuru. This technique involves folding several cranes from a single sheet of paper so they are interconnected. Unlike some origami, this sheet is cut in specific locations. One of the most common versions of renzuru creates at least four connected cranes in a circle. This technique has existed for hundreds of years, but practitioners continue to attempt new variations of the form.

References

• Sprite; How to Fold a Crane; Bridget Spitznagel; April 2001
• Hiroshima International School: The Story of Sadako Sasaki