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Origami, the ancient art of paper folding, originated in Japan around the sixth century. According to pbs.org, paper was invented in China around 105 A.D. and in Japan it was considered a luxury item. The word origami is a combination of two Japanese words: oru, meaning “to fold,” and kami, “paper.” It wasn’t until paper was mass produced that paper-folding, or origami, became an art for the masses.
Origami involves many different patterns and shapes. According to pbs.org, modern origami incorporates mathematical equations, formulas and theories to create designs.
Besides being an art, origami designs can offer hope for the sick. According to theater.lafayette.edu, if 1,000 paper cranes are folded, a wish will come true. An article by Rhema titled “Origami Hope for Childhood Cancer Patients,” reported on 10-year-old bpy who took up the art of paper crane folding to help sick children like himself. He created the National Crane Project. His goal was to create 220,000 cranes, a set of 1,000 for each pediatric cancer center in the country.
He was inspired after watching the play production of “A Thousand Cranes” at Lafayette College in September 2010. The play tells the true life story of a 12-year-old girl who developed leukemia after the Hiroshima bombings. Hoping to ward off death, she aimed to make 1,000 paper cranes but died before she completed her goal. Friends and family finished the project after her death.
His goal was to help sick children by giving them a paper crane to inspire hope. Sadly, he lost his battle with neuroblastoma.
This inspirational story just goes to show that something as simple as folding a paper crane can inspire hope and bring a smile to someone in need.Watch the YouTube video below about the project and Heard’s inspiration from Lafayette College.
Watch for an upcoming blog about paper cranes and the Japan earthquake.
