Why do the Japanese people make origami? (2024)

Origami means the art of making a shape by folding the paper. Ori means folding while Kami means Paper. This art leaves a flat square sheet of paper in a form of defined art piece through folding and sculpting techniques. Origami, though originated in Japan, was loved and adopted all over the world.

This paper art is done just by folding paper in various shapes and sizes, according to the structure to be made. They do these origamis only by folding paper while cutting and glueing are not at all allowed. Of all the shapes of Origamis, the Origami Crane is the most popular one which almost all the Japanese people do.

Though it is said that the origin of this art is in Japan, there exists some ambiguity as the mentioning of paper folding art which was burnt during traditional funerals was there in China’s Sung dynasty which existed during 905-1125 CE. This art was first mentioned in a poem by Ihara Saikaku in 1680 describing the traditional butterfly designs made during Shinto weddings in Japan. The Edo period or Tokugawa period which is between 1603 and 1868 was the time when this traditional art form of making origamis was so popular.

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. When a 12-year old girl Sadako Sasaki got bedridden and suffered from Leukemia which was the result of the atomic bomb on Hiroshima, she decided to make 1000 Origami cranes and spread the message of peace around the world.

Though she could make only 644, her friends and relatives completed her aim and this incident created ripples in their society. Her statue at Hiroshima peace park and the making of Origami have tangled the hearts of Japanese people creating deep respect towards this art of Origami making it a symbol of life and peace.

Why do the Japanese people make origami? (2024)

FAQs

Why do people in Japan do origami? ›

Origami (折り紙, literally 'fold paper') is the Japanese art of folding paper without using scissors or glue. It's a form of art in which shapes that look like paper sculptures are created. The origin of origami is linked to Zen culture, and the practice of origami can be considered a form of meditation in some cases.

Why do people like origami? ›

It can help reduce stress, improve hand-eye coordination, boost creativity, enhance patience and persistence, and promote learning and education. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, making origami is an excellent way to improve your mental and physical health while having fun and creating beautiful art.

Why is origami so important in Shinto? ›

Since the idea of purity is inextricably linked with that of virginity, they considered natural paper to be both a symbol of bliss on earth and also the very essence of shinto. Thus, spotless paper was the ideal medium of expression for divine nature. When folded, it became the sign of its presence.

Why does paper folding become a significant aspect of Japanese ceremonies? ›

In Japan origami butterflies were used during the celebration of Shinto weddings to represent the bride and groom, so ceremonial paperfolding had probably already become a significant aspect of Japanese ceremony by the Heian period (794–1185) of Japanese history.

Why is origami so important? ›

Origami has been found to strengthen an understanding of geometric concepts, formulas, and labels, making them come alive. By labeling an origami structure with length, width, and height, students learn key terms and ways to describe a shape.

Is origami a Japanese tradition? ›

Origami developed from techniques for folding paper that first emerged in Japan during ancient times. The art is now practiced around the world and is even being applied to help solve technical problems.

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