Senbazuru - 1000 Origami cranes
Photo by Jason Leung on Unsplash
One thousand Origami cranes (千 羽 鹤 Senbazuru) is a set of one thousand cranes made of Origami paper (鹤 tsuru) held together by strings. An ancient Japanese legend promises that anyone who folds a thousand Origami cranes will have their wish granted by a crane, such as a long life or healing from illness or injury. This makes them popular as gifts for close friends and family. The Japanese crane is one of the mystical creatures (others include the dragon and the turtle), and is said to live for a thousand years.
A thousand paper cranes are traditionally given as a wedding gift by the father, who wishes a thousand years of happiness and prosperity for the couple. They can also be given for the arrival of a new baby to wish it a long life and much luck. Hanging a Senbazuru in your home is considered a powerful symbol of good luck and goodwill.
Material
Origami paper Senbazuru sets are widely sold in Japan, with 1000 or more (in case of mistakes) sheets of paper, string and beads to be placed at the end of each chain to prevent the cranes from sliding. Usually the cranes are assembled on 25 strings of 40 cranes each. The size of the Origami paper does not matter when assembling a thousand cranes, but smaller sheets make for smaller and lighter crane chains. The most popular size for Senbazuru papers is 7.5 x 7.5 cm. Some people cut their own squares of paper from anything, such as magazines, newspapers, notebooks, printer paper etc.
Origami paper used for Senbazuru is usually a solid color, but printed designs are also available. Larger Origami papers, usually 15 x 15 cm, often have traditional Japanese or flower designs, reminiscent of kimono patterns.
Want to give it a try?
Why not take advantage of the winter vacations to get started? And if you have children (not too young), it will allow them to spend a moment away from the screens and, at the same time, it will be quality time with them.
No need to buy Origami paper, if you have old magazines or newspapers. Kill two birds with one stone, by recycling in this way, you do something for the planet at the same time!
