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Origami for Hope, Happiness and Healing the Mind

Author: Miho Suzuki

Origami is a very ancient art of paper folding and has become very popular these days with many origami masters making unbelievable creations from one sheet of paper and a series of complicated folds.

While serious origami fans learn to make more and more intricate models, like dragons with thousands of scales, there are also hundreds of simple creations for children and beginners to make.
With as little as three or four folds, it's very easy to make something that looks like a star, boat, animal or flowers.

In the past, children in Japan made origami pieces for playtime or as gifts for special occasions, but it's now becoming more and more common to do the same in other countries as well.

Today, there are origami groups that gather once a month or so to share their work and tips with others and simply enjoy the company of those who have a common interest.
Many people join these groups for the purpose of learning a new art, while others find it fun and relaxing to socialize with friends.

One of the most popular notions of origami are the symbols of luck, hope, longevity, prosperity and health.

In the past, a guest would fold 1001 cranes and stringing them up (also called "Senbazuru") as a gift to the bride and groom. This was a wish of 1001 years of happiness and luck in the couple's future.

The other special notion about origami cranes, taken from an ancient Japanese saying, is if you fold 1000 cranes, you will be granted one wish.

This idea was repeated with the famous story of Sadako Sasaki, the young girl from Hiroshima who was diagnosed with Leukemia and tried her best to fold cranes in order to get well.
This touching story is one of hope and strength of mind, and the use of origami in that sense is passed on to others, who might also need that strength and support.

Origami is more than a simple piece of paper, it's a form of art that inspires, eases the mind and soul, brings people together and expands creativity and play in all.

For more information, there are many different origami styles and set available.

About the Author:

Miho has a passion for learning and making most anything with her hands.
Her fun and inventive mind creates a variety of unique pieces for everyone from child to adult, while also writing stories that educate and entertain the young.
She enjoys everything from writing and illustrating children's books, to photography japanese crafts, woodworking, sculpting, sewing, painting and more.
Miho tries to combine her love of traditional arts with modern concpets and create pieces that are not only pleasing to the eye, but have some form of funtionality in daily life.
She now lives in Tokyo, Japan, where she provides products and supplies internationally and teaches children using her own storybooks and learning materials.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Origami for Hope, Happiness and Healing the Mind

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