what culture is origami

What is origami and how is it made?

Origami is the Japanese art of paper folding, and this is what the name “origami” literally translates to (“ori” means folding, and “kami” means paper in Japanese). To create origami, you must use only your hands to craft a shape out of a simple piece of paper.

Is origami only for kids?

But origami has a long history and was originally not for children at all. Like many things in Japanese culture, origami (from "oru" meaning to fold, and "kami" meaning paper) has its origins in China.

Why was origami so popular in Japan during the Golden Age?

It was during this period that Japan's nobility had its golden age and it was a time of great artistic and cultural advances. Paper was still a rare enough comodity that origami was a pastime for the elite. Paper was folded into set shapes for ceremonial occasions such as weddings.

What is the difference between Japanese origami and Chinese origami?

It’s possible that Chinese paperfolding may have influenced both Japanese and European designs. Yet Japanese origami differs from others in that the paper is rarely cut. In fact, paperfolding designs that require cutting are referred to by another name in Japan: kirigami (cut paper).

Is origami part of Japanese culture?

Origami is the most recreational art of Japanese for centuries. They made it as a part of their culture to foster the creativity among youngsters. Origami is served as an elegant yet amusing activity of Japanese done during their leisure times.

Is practicing origami a culture?

The History & Origins of Origami Not took long after its introduction into Japan, origami quickly spread and became a traditional cultural practice.

What country is origami most popular?

JapanAlthough origami is typically associated with Japan, paper folding became popular in Europe, too. In Spain, the practice is called papiroflexia or pajarita. Yoshizawa passed away in 2005, but it is estimated that he created over 50,000 different figures during his lifetime.

What does origami symbolize?

In Japanese folklore, the crane (or Tsuru in Japanese) is a strong majestic bird that mates for life and is said to live for a thousand years. It symbolizes honor, good fortune, loyalty, and longevity....The Origami Crane (TSURU): Symbolism and Folklore.MON (APR 4)8:00am - 11:00amTHURS (APR 7)2:00pm - 3:00pm2 more rows•Apr 4, 2022

What kind of art is origami?

paper foldingorigami, also called paper folding, art of folding objects out of paper to create both two-dimensional and three-dimensional subjects.

What does the origami symbolize in Japanese culture?

Not only are they thought to live for 1,000 years – hence they are a symbol of long life, but they believe that folding a thousand cranes will make their fondest wish come true.

Is origami Japanese or Korean?

Many studies assert that origami was invented by the Japanese about a thousand years ago, but its roots may well be in China. It is also highly probable that the process of folding was applied to other materials before paper was invented, so the origins of recreational folding may lie with cloth or leather.

Who popularized origami?

Akira YoshizawaAkira Yoshizawa was the father of modern origami. He inspired a national and international interest in the art of origami. Yoshizawa developed the current standard for diagraming origami instructions and designed countless patterns.

What are the 3 types of origami?

3 Main Types of Origami Folds01 of 03. Valley Fold. Dana Hinders. The most basic of all origami folds is the valley fold. ... 02 of 03. Mountain Fold. Dana Hinders. The mountain fold is essentially a valley fold in reverse. ... 03 of 03. Squash Fold. Dana Hinders.

What do cranes mean in Japanese culture?

good luck and longevityThe Majestic Crane In Japan, the crane, or tsuru, is a national treasure and is considered the bird of happiness. It is depicted in art, literature, and mythology as a symbol of good luck and longevity because it is said to live 1,000 years.

What does an origami elephant symbolize?

This striking African elephant is the latest addition to the Origami collection. When it is depicted with its trunk pointed upwards, this animal symbolises good luck, prosperity and triumph.

What do origami butterflies mean?

The paper butterfly has a decidedly different meaning than any of the above. It represents the hopes and dreams of young girls as they blossom into beautiful young women.

What is the origin of origami?

Many studies assert that origami was invented by the Japanese about a thousand years ago, but its roots may well be in China. It is also highly probable that the process of folding was applied to other materials before paper was invented, so the origins of recreational folding may lie with cloth or leather.

How important is anime to Japanese culture?

“Anime is especially useful in teaching and learning about Japanese culture because it creatively interprets many different aspects of life in Japan — locations and institutions, historical and cultural references, social practices, and small things like body language and gestures — aspects that don't translate quite ...

How is origami used in real life?

While we think of origami as art, it increasingly is being used by companies and researchers in space, medicine, robotics, architecture, public safety and the military to solve vexing design problems, often to fit big things into small spaces.

Who invented origami for kids?

MODERN ORIGAMI Friedrich Fröbel designed paper binding, weaving, folding, and cutting as teaching aids for child development during the early 19th century.

History

Distinct paperfolding traditions arose in Europe, China, and Japan which have been well-documented by historians. These seem to have been mostly separate traditions, until the 20th century.

Techniques and materials

Many origami books begin with a description of basic origami techniques which are used to construct the models. This includes simple diagrams of basic folds like valley and mountain folds, pleats, reverse folds, squash folds, and sinks.

Types

In addition to the more common still-life origami, there are also moving object designs; origami can move in clever ways. Action origami includes origami that flies, requires inflation to complete, or, when complete, uses the kinetic energy of a person's hands, applied at a certain region on the model, to move another flap or limb.

Mathematics and technical origami

The practice and study of origami encapsulates several subjects of mathematical interest. For instance, the problem of flat-foldability (whether a crease pattern can be folded into a 2-dimensional model) has been a topic of considerable mathematical study.

Ethics and copyright

Copyright in origami designs and the use of models has become an increasingly important issue in the origami community, as the internet has made the sale and distribution of pirated designs very easy. It is considered good etiquette to always credit the original artist and the folder when displaying origami models.

How did Sasaki Sadako die?

In the mid-1950s, 11-year old Sasaki Sadako developed leukemia as a result of her exposure to radiation as a baby during the atomic bombing of Hiroshima in 1945. Tradition held that if you made a senbazuru (a thousand paper cranes) and made a wish after completing each one, your wish would come true. Sadako set about making the tsuru, wishing for her own recovery. As she continued, she began to wish instead for world peace. One version of the story says that she died when she had made only 644 and her school friends completed the full number and dedicated them to her at her funeral. A perhaps more reliable version says she completed the 1,000 and went on the fold several hundred more before succumbing to the cancer at the age of 12. Regardless of the details, the story helped inspire the Children's Peace Memorial in Hiroshima and a statue of Sadako in Seattle. Each year on Peace Day (August 6th), tens of thousands of origami tsuru are sent to Hiroshima by chidren all over the world.

What is origami for kids?

These days, while some people consider it a real art form that is very Zen-like in its simplicity and depth, origami is regarded mainly as an activity for children, who are taught just a few standard designs. Even in Japan, the most complicated design that most people master is the tsuru (crane), which has developed into a worldwide symbol of children's desire for peace. But origami has a long history and was originally not for children at all.

What is the most complicated design in Japan?

Even in Japan, the most complicated design that most people master is the tsuru (crane), which has developed into a worldwide symbol of children's desire for peace. But origami has a long history and was originally not for children at all. An elaborate origami pattern. A simple origami tsuru.

How does the internet help Japanese culture?

In more recent times, the Internet has helped spread the word about Japanese culture, both the long-hidden aspects and the things that western people had heard of but knew little about . Origami is one such facet that lends itself to the visual medium. Designs can be explained in line diagrams or photos and, with practice, can be mastered by anyone. The next step, as with any art form, is to find a topic or field that appeals and develop your own style. In the words of Yoshizawa Akira, the 'acknowledged grandmaster of origami, the father of modern creative origami':

What is the Edo period?

It was in the Edo Period (1600-1868) that much of today's popular traditional culture developed as forms of entertainment for the merchant classes and the common people . Kabuki and ukiyo-e are just two examples and origami also gained poularity.

When was origami invented?

The earliest records of origami in Japan date to the Heian Period (794-1185) . It was during this period that Japan's nobility had its golden age and it was a time of great artistic and cultural advances. Paper was still a rare enough comodity that origami was a pastime for the elite.

Where did origami originate?

Like many things in Japanese culture, origami (from "oru" meaning to fold, and "kami" meaning paper) has its origins in China. It is believed that paper was first made, and folded, in China in the first or second century. The earliest records of origami in Japan date to the Heian Period (794-1185). It was during this period ...

What is origami in China?

Origami Abroad. Origami literally means to fold paper. Paperfolding crafts were also practiced in China for centuries and in Europe at the tail end of the Middle Ages. It’s possible that Chinese paperfolding may have influenced both Japanese and European designs.

How long has origami been around?

Add to Plan. The recreational paperfolding we now know as origami has been around for over one thousand years. In Japan, the craft began shortly after the arrival of paper in the sixth century, though the name origami wasn’t adopted into common usage until the 1800s.

How many paper cranes did Sadako Sasaki have?

1000 Paper Cranes. The story of Sadako and her thousand paper cranes touched the hearts of millions. Sadako Sasaki survived the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima by America during World War II. Despite that, she became very ill and soon contracted leukemia from the radiation.

Why did Sadako fold the cranes?

Learning this, Sadako began folding cranes. First wishing for herself to get well, and then in hopes to bring peace to the world.

What is the most popular type of origami?

Traditional, stationary origami pieces are the most well-known type, but with origami’s popularity flourishing, designs have become more and more elaborate. Action origami includes those designed to move. A good example is the classic frog origami, which is supposed to hop when its hind legs are compressed and released.

What is paper streamer used for?

Later, it was used for tokens, gifts, talismans and continued to be used for Shinto practices, such as to mark religious sites. The shide (paper streamers) are still commonly used today. However, in the Heian and later periods, paper was still very expensive.

What is the difference between modular and kirigami?

Modular or unit origami creates sculptures out of multiple individually folded pieces, while Kirigami, of course, includes those which require a cut to be completed.

Why is Origami Important to Japanese Culture?

This skill is taught to children at a young age is therefore much more culturally significant than just crafting. Origami teaches Japanese children the link between working diligently and seeing results – something that Japanese culture prides itself on.

How many cranes did Sadako make?

Sadako made a thousand paper cranes in her hospital bed before dying at age 12. A popularized version of this tale, and one that was made into a famous book and film, is that Sadako made 600 cranes and her classmates completed the project after she died. Her family had repeatedly explained that this is not what happened.

What was the first book of origami?

1764 – Tsutsumi-no-Ki, the first book on origami, is published in Japan. It provides detailed instructions on folding noshi and tsutsumi, two of the most popular origami styles. 1797 – The first recreational origami book is published in Japan, Secret Techniques of Thousand Cranes. This book provides instruction on 49 different ways ...

What is origami art?

Origami is the Japanese art of paper folding, and this is what the name “origami” literally translates to (“ori” means folding, and “kami” means paper in Japanese). To create origami, you must use only your hands to craft a shape out of a simple piece of paper. You cannot alter the material using scissors, glue, ...

Why is origami important?

It’s important to preserve your national heritage by passing down the language and customs of your ancestors, even if it’s not something that will be used day to day.

Why did Japanese children fold paper?

Japanese children began folding paper in the classroom for educational purposes, just as their ancestors did for leisure and ceremony. At the same time, German educators continued to advance the cause of origami in classroom settings.

What is the Japanese art of paper folding called?

Even if you’ve never set foot in Japan, chances are you know about origami. Even if you haven’t done an art project since middle school, chances are you’ve tried your hand at origami. So how did a Japanese art form take over the world like this? Origami is the Japanese art of paper folding, and this is what the name “origami ” literally translates ...

How has origami evolved?

Another way in which origami has evolved is that figures are no longer folded exclusively with origami paper. Today, you can find paper-folding enthusiasts who work with wrapping paper, typing paper, scrapbook paper, and various forms of handmade paper. There is a "green" crafting trend that involves making origami out of paper that would otherwise be discarded, such as old newspapers and junk mail inserts. You can also fold origami figures from paper currency to present a cash gift in a unique way, although this craft requires that you follow diagrams that are created with your currency's specific dimensions in mind.

What is origami paper folding called?

Fun Fact. Although origami is typically associated with Japan, paper folding became popular in Europe, too. In Spain, the practice is called papiroflexia or pajarita. Yoshizawa passed away in 2005, but it is estimated that he created over 50,000 different figures during his lifetime.

What is the meaning of origami?

Meaning of the Name. Origami was initially known as orikata (folded shapes). In 1880, however, the craft became known as origami. The term origami comes from the Japanese words oru (to fold) and kami (paper). It is not known why this term was chosen, although scholars have speculated that the characters for this term were simply ...

What is a Tsuki?

Tsuki, folded pieces of paper accompanying a valuable gift, are another example of ceremonial paper folding since these models would act as a certificate of authenticity. As paper became more affordable, common people began making origami figures as gifts or creating folded cards and envelopes for their correspondence.

Why do people fold origami?

Today, many people are attracted to the idea of learning how to fold origami figures because paper is a cheap craft supply. When origami was first practiced, however, it was a craft only for the elite. Japanese monks folded origami figures for religious purposes. Origami was also used in various formal ceremonies, such as the practice of folding paper butterflies to adorn sake bottles at a Japanese couple's wedding reception. Tsutsumi, folded paper gift wrappers, were used in some ceremonies to symbolize sincerity and purity. Tsuki, folded pieces of paper accompanying a valuable gift, are another example of ceremonial paper folding since these models would act as a certificate of authenticity.

How many models did Yoshizawa make?

Yoshizawa passed away in 2005, but it is estimated that he created over 50,000 different figures during his lifetime. Unfortunately, only a few hundred of these models were ever officially documented in his published origami books. Yoshizawa also pioneered the popular wet-folding origami technique, which involves spraying paper with a fine mist of water in order to create folds with a rounder and more sculpted appearance. A great book featuring his work called " Akira Yoshizawa " was published in September 2016.

Why did Japanese monks fold origami?

Japanese monks folded origami figures for religious purposes. Origami was also used in various formal ceremonies, such as the practice of folding paper butterflies to adorn sake bottles at a Japanese couple's wedding reception. Tsutsumi, folded paper gift wrappers, were used in some ceremonies to symbolize sincerity and purity.

What does an origami cat stand for?

an origami frog in the pocketbook means that spent money will return. the origami cat stands for strength, self-assurance and independence. These origami animals are all significant in but there is one origami bird that outshines every animal you might make out of folded paper.

What does the origami dragon represent?

the origami dragon is a symbol of power, wisdom and success. by contrast, the dragonfly represents strength, courage and good luck. the origami butterfly is symbolic of a girl growing into a young woman. an origami frog in the pocketbook means that spent money will return.

Why do lanterns fall under the umbrella?

Although those lanterns are reinforced with wire, they nevertheless fall under the origami umbrella because they are primarily made of paper.

What is the significance of cranes?

Cranes have a special significance in Japanese culture. Not only are they thought to live for 1,000 years – hence they are a symbol of long life, but they believe that folding a thousand cranes will make their fondest wish come true. You can learn more about the symbolism of origami in our related article.

What do little fingers learn?

As little fingers fold and crease, they hear the stories of their culture. They learn how bokashi – the shading or gradation of paper can enhance their designs and how to create kawaii creatures.

Why did Sadako fold a thousand paper cranes?

Young Sadako, embroiled in a fight for her life, set out to fold one thousand paper cranes so that her wish to be rid of her cancer might come true.

Why do soldiers use both hands?

Finally, using both hands to make a mountain fold, a valley fold and a multitude of creases improves hand-eye coordination, a quality every soldier needs.

Best-in-Class Culture

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Last but not least - Fun!

Hard work should be rewarded. At Origami Risk, accomplishments are celebrated throughout the year with "toasts" and at our annual colleague conference. We also participate in dozens of team building activities throughout the year, including pizza making, playing kickball, attending sports games, and axe throwing, to name a few.

Overview

In popular culture

• In House of Cards season 1, episode 6, Claire Underwood gives a homeless man cash, and he later returns it folded into the shape of a bird. Claire then begins making origami animals, and in episode 7 she gives several to Peter Russo for his children.
• In Blade Runner, Gaff folds origami throughout the movie, and an origami unicorn he folds forms a major plot point.

History

Techniques and materials

Types

Mathematics and technical origami

Ethics and copyright

See also