Origami
 The craft of paper folding in Japan has been passed down from mother to child for generations, right up until the present day. Origami thus embodies skills that have been developed through play and enjoyment over the ages. Traditions designs, such as the popular crane - with their finely balanced artistry and beauty - may be said to represent the living shapes of Japan.
Today this art has spread all over the world, attracting enthusiasts in dozens of countries, and the word "origami" itself has become widely recognized and internationally accepted.
When origami was first brought to Japan, only the rich practiced the art of folding paper into shapes. The shape creation was a way of adding special meaning to what the paper held on it or in it.
For love notes, origami was doubly special. First, the origami shape itself could represent a message. The selection of color and shape help conveyed the true emotions of the writer. Second, origami is an intricate art. If the love note was intercepted, it would be unlikely that the reader could perfectly refold the shape. So the origami love note was very secure - it could not be read by the wrong person without the recipient knowing it.
Origami has held an honored place in ceremonies that were of great importance. Origami was used at births, weddings, and funerals to help commemorate the occasion in a unique, hand-crafted manner. The origami figures would be treasured by participants for years afterwards.
Crane - symbol of Honor, Loyalty and Peace
Japanese Mythology believed the crane live for 1,000 years. Japanese culture has treasured the crane as a symbol of honor, loyalty and peace. The crane is a majestic bird which mates for life and is extremely loyal and devoted to its mate. Both the male and female crane tend their young. The crane is strong, graceful and beautiful. A person who folds 1,000 cranes before he/she weds will have a happy marriage. Folding of a crane takes time, patience and understanding. These same qualities are vital for a happy marriage.
How to fold a paper crane?
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