Origami is the centuries old Japanese art of making fascinating folds to pieces of paper, and thus creating incredible representations of many common objects, from something as simple as a Kimono paper form, to complex and highly detailed human forms. Origami got its name from “ori,” which is the Japanese word for fold, and “gami,” the Japanese word for paper. Origami, however, did not get its start in Japan. It began in China during the first or second century and then became popular in Japan sometime during the sixth century when paper became more readily available there. It was in the Edo Period, from 1600 to 1868, that much of what was to become popular traditional Japanese origami developed.
Honorable Samurai warriors would exchange gifts in the form of noshi, a paper folded with a piece of dried fish or other meat. It was considered a token of good luck. Another example of the Japanese using it in a purposeful way includes wedding gifts given by Shinto noblemen. They would wrap glasses of rice wine or sake in butterfly forms to represent the newlywed couple. Additionally, the crane became a Japanese symbol of peace and good fortune.
As paper became less expensive, so too did easier methods develop. Japanese origami became a popular artistic endeavor for everyone, not just for the rich. Whether rich or poor, however, the Japanese people have always been very mindful of waste; they have always saved even the tiniest scraps of paper for use in their models.
It was not only the Japanese who were embracing the art of folding paper, but the Moors in Africa were as well. When they invaded Spain in the eighth century, they brought this art form with them. Because their religion prohibited them from making animal forms, the Moors created geometric figures instead. From Spain, this art form spread to South America, and as trade routes were developed, origami was introduced to Europe and eventually to North America.
Japanese origami is an art form that lends itself to intricately complex designs for accomplished artists, as well as simple origami designs that young children can do. It is easy to explain a design by using line diagrams or photos, and can be mastered by anyone willing to learn. Just as the ancient Japanese and Moorish peoples found creative and useful purposes for their models, so have modern Americans. Origami will also be a part of our future, as origami math geometry Kawasaki theorem education is available.