Before we dive in...
Origami is the Japanese art of folding that transforms paper sheets into intricate sculptures. The paper crane is the most symbolic design , and legend says if “senbazuru” (1,000 paper cranes) are folded, the deepest wish of the heart will come true.
Exciting, eh? As I started my own “senbazuru” journey, I couldn't help but wonder ... what makes these 1,000 cranes so magical?
ORIGINS & SYMBOLISM
19th Century Japanese Silk Painting by Kano Chikanobu, Cranes, Pine & Camelia (Source: Kristanhauge)
ORIGINS - Origami is the art of folding paper, dating as far back as the invention of paper in China in AD 105. When origami became popular in Japan in the 6th century AD, it was mostly reserved for the wealthiest - paper was considered a true item of luxury. In the 16th century, cranes adorned ceremonial kimonos. In the 17th century, the magical myth of the 1,000 paper cranes entered the world of the written word.
SYMBOLISM - In different parts of the world the crane carries diverse symbolical meanings. In Japan, Ancient China, and some tribes of Native America, it’s considered a symbol of prosperity, joy, longevity and purity; love and friendship. Also, in Japan, it’s traditionally given to newlyweds as a symbol of fidelity in marriage (cranes are monogamous); to newborns for long life and prosperity. In Ancient Rome and Greece, the crane relates to spring, light and warmth.
The choice of paper is also deeply meaningful in origami. For example, crimson represents a deep bond or inner strength, and yellow - joy and creativity.
“Orizuru o tsukuru shōjo” by Isoda Koryūsai, 1772 or 1773
(Photo: Library of Congress)
(Photo: Library of Congress)
Sadako Sasaki‘s Senbazuru
FOLDING 1,000 CRANES
It’s believed that the crane is a mythical creature that lives for a 1,000 years. Japanese lore dictates that the folding of 1,000 origami cranes - “senbazuru” grants the deepest wish of the heart
A SYMBOL OF PEACE, LOVE AND HEALING - The sad and inspirational story of Sadako Sasaki‘s gave “senbazuru” a deeper meaning. In 1945, when she was 2, she was exposed to radiation caused by the Hiroshima bombing.
At 12, she was diagnosed with leukaemia and had only a year to live. She began folding the 1,000 cranes, hoping her dearest wish of recovery would come true. However, as she folded and folded, her hope evolved into wishing for something bigger, world peace. Unfortunately, she passed away having completed 644 cranes. Inspired by her noble cause, her classmates folded the rest. She was buried with a 1,000 paper crane wreath.
LEGACY - A statue of a girl holding a crane was built in Hiroshima Peace Park to forever carry her story. Her legacy continues; her cranes are now donated around the world where peace and healing are needed, including in the “National September 11 Memorial and Museum“ in New York and the city of Koriyama, Fukushima. Paper cranes are also gifted between friends, classmates and colleagues, as a symbol of good health and healing.
Sadako at the Hospital (Photo: Sadako Legacy NPO)
References
Taggart, Emma.
“Unfold The Intricate History and Symbolism of the Origami Crane”.
My Modern Met.
Beser, Ari. “How Paper Cranes Became a Symbol of Healing in Japan”.
National Geographic.
Cepi. “AD 105 China: birthplace of paper”.
Wikipedia. “How Paper Cranes Became a Symbol of Healing in Japan”.
Origami Polly, Origami Cranes: History and Meaning of the Senbazuru, Origami Polly, Kindle.
All Accessed 26 May 2023