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People Folding Paper

Origami Crane

October 31, 2023 by Origami Admin

Difficulty: Medium

The origami crane holds deep cultural and symbolic significance, particularly in Japanese tradition, but its message of hope and peace has resonated worldwide. Folded from a single sheet of paper, the crane is a symbol of patience, precision, and creativity. Its importance can be understood in several ways:

  1. Japanese Culture: In Japan, the crane (or “tsuru” in Japanese) is regarded as a mystical creature and is said to live for a thousand years. It is considered a symbol of longevity, good fortune, and happiness. Traditionally, it is believed that folding a thousand paper cranes can grant a wish, and it is often associated with celebrations and well-wishing for special occasions.
  2. Peace and Healing: The origami crane gained global recognition through Sadako Sasaki, a young survivor of the Hiroshima atomic bombing. She embarked on a mission to fold a thousand paper cranes while battling leukemia, believing it would grant her a wish for recovery. Her story inspired the Peace Memorial Park in Hiroshima and became a symbol of peace, hope, and the devastating consequences of nuclear warfare.
  3. Universal Message: Beyond its Japanese origins, the origami crane has become a universal symbol of hope and peace. It is often used in peace activism, memorial services, and as a gesture of solidarity during times of crisis or tragedy.

In essence, the origami crane serves as a reminder of the human capacity for resilience, healing, and the pursuit of a more peaceful world. Its enduring appeal lies in its ability to convey a simple yet profound message of optimism and unity across cultures and generations.

This is how to make an origami crane.

Origami Crane Completed

How beautiful is this origami crane?

One senbazuru legend (senbazuru literally means “one thousand cranes”) claims that if fold 1,000 origami cranes, your wish would come true. Will you create 1,000 cranes?

Origami Crane Step 1

Step 1: Begin with your origami paper placed in a diamond shape

Origami Crane Step 2

Step 2: Fold the top point down to meet the bottom point, creasing along the horizontal fold line

Origami Crane Step 3

Step 3: Open up the paper

Origami Crane Step 4

Step 4: Fold the left point over to meet the right point, creasing along the vertical fold line

Origami Crane Step 5

Step 5: Open the paper up

Origami Crane Step 6

Step 6: Turn the paper over and place down in a square shape

Origami Crane Step 7

Step 7: Fold the top edge down to meet the bottom edge, folding along the horizontal crease line

Origami Crane Step 8

Step 8: Open the paper up

Origami Crane Step 9

Step 9: Fold the left edge over to meet the right edge, folding along the vertical crease line

Origami Crane Step 10

Step 10: Open the paper up

SEE NEXT STEPS

Filed Under: Uncategorized, Origami Birds

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