All about origami

On this page you will find out about the history of origami and other interesting facts.

A brief history of origami:

Paper was first invented in China around 105 A.D., and wass brought to Japan during the 6th century by monks. During that time handamade paper was a luxury and very few rich people were able to own it. Paper folding in Japan was strictly used for ceremonial purposes, often regarding religion and nature. Written step-by-step instructions were first introduced to the world in Akisato Rito's book "Sembazuru Orikata" or "thousand crane folding". By the late 1800 the term for paper folding "orikata"(folded shapes) had changed into "origami".

Interesting facts about origami:

• Origami was and is a major part of Japanese wedding rituals.
• Origami used to be gifted by one samurai to another.
• Origami has a strong link to mathematics and can be often seen used to design various shapes for mathematical projects.
• An ancient Japanese legend says that if you fold a thousand cranes you will be granted one wish
• The record for the longest flight inside of a paper airplane is 22.48 seconds - held by Takuo Toda.
• The smallest origami crane was made by Naito Akira measuring 0.1 by 0.1 mm.
78.0288
• The largest paper crane measured 78.0288 m and 15.24 cm.
• The largest number of origami cranes was created as part of the 50th anniversary of the dropping of the atom bomb on Hiroshima. A total of 250,000 paper cranes were folded and displayed in a large memorial in the city. Each had a person's name on it and a short, peaceful message. A paper crane is a symbol for world peace.