how to make a simple origami crane

Introduction: The significance of a paper crane

Origami is an art that has been around for centuries and is enjoyed by many people all over the world. Origami is the Japanese art of folding paper into decorative shapes and figures. The origami crane is the most well-known and beloved origami figure, as it has a significant cultural and historical meaning in Japan. Here, we will learn how to make a simple origami crane, step by step.

Materials needed

Making an origami crane requires few materials, and you may already have them at home. The things we will need are a square piece of paper, a flat surface to fold, and your hands.

Step-by-step guide to making an origami crane

First, take your square piece of paper and fold it in half diagonally. Press down hard on the fold to make it crisp.

Next, fold the paper in half diagonally again. Crease this fold well.

Unfold the paper and place it with the creases facing upwards. Then fold it horizontally, crease well, and unfold it.

Now, fold the paper corner-wise, inward to the center. Crease it well. Do this for all four corners.

After you have folded all the corners to the center, flip the paper over. Fold two opposite corners inwards, crease well, and then unfold them again.

Now, using the creases, bring the two adjacent sides of the paper inwards until they meet at the center vertical crease.

After that, unfold this side of the paper. Then, using the creases, bring the other two adjacent sides of the paper inwards until they meet at the center vertical crease.

Now fold the top point of the paper down, along the horizontal crease line, and then tuck it inside the flaps that you just created on the other side. This step might take a bit of fiddling, so be patient.

Finally, fold the long narrow strip at the bottom of the paper upwards to create the head and neck of your crane. Shape the head and tail of the crane as desired.

The legacy of the origami crane

It's important to note that in Japanese culture, the origami crane is not only a decorative figure but also a symbol of hope and peace. A famous story regarding the crane is that of Sadako Sasaki, a young girl who survived the Hiroshima atomic bombing as a two-year-old child but later developed leukemia. During her illness, she set out to fold 1,000 paper cranes, as it was believed that whoever folded 1,000 cranes would be granted a wish. Her wish was to live, but unfortunately, she lost her life at the young age of 12. Her spirit and determination to create such a beautiful piece of art inspired many, and today paper cranes are displayed in many places as a tribute to Sadako and a symbol of peace.

Conclusion

Making an origami crane is a fun and creative activity. With just a square piece of paper and a bit of patience, you can create a beautiful crane like the one described here. But remember, the true value of this craft lies in its meanings and the impact it has on those who see it. So, try making an origami crane, and let it be a reminder to you of the importance of hope and peace.