redefined: origami

The art of folding paper—ori, folding and gami, paper—dates to the 1600s and the most widely known or replicated subject is the crane.

Traditional origami starts with a square piece of paper—usually handmade or hand-printed—and does not allow for cutting or gluing. Intricate designs can be made by using many basic, small folds—or more simple designs are created in high volume for a more intense display.

The legend is that if you create 1000 origami cranes, a wish will be granted by them. Some believe that the crane—like the dragon and tortoise—is a holy creature that lives for a thousand years, hence the quantity, their popularity and mysticism as each folded paper crane represents one year of its life.

Much like paper cranes given as wedding or baby gifts, origami ornaments are full of good wishes, prosperity, health and happiness—powerfully meaningful and charming all year long.

photo courtesy of: Dominic’s pics

Note: scale of ornaments to each other is not actual.