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Did you know November 11th is Origami Day? I was thinking Charlie and I could look up a video and learn how to do Origami today. Would you like to join us? If we had still been #Homeschooling full time we could have studied Origami in our Art Class and we could have read The Encyclopedia of Origami Techniques: The complete, fully illustrated guide to the folded paper arts.
National Origami Day, falls on November 11th and people can’t wait to sit down and find there zen by practicing Origami. Did you know Origami was originally called ‘Orikata,’ Origami originated in Japan as early as 105 A.D.
Before Japan’s industrial revolution in the late 19th Century, only elites had access to the materials necessary for creating such geometric folds. Today, anyone with access to paper and a flat surface is welcome to give Origami a go.
While the origin or story of Origami Day remains unknown, it began in the birthplace of Origami: Japan. Long ago, paper used to be a handmade product only available to wealthy families. In correspondence sent between these families, the writer would often include an intricately folded piece of paper along with their letter.
By using such a valuable material as mere decoration, wealthy families could demonstrate their access to such luxuries. As time marched on and paper became more readily available to the masses, Origami became a regular feature of familial ceremonies including weddings and birthdays.
Origami finds its simplistic charm by requiring only one tool: the paper itself. In this way, Origami can feel much like a logic problem or a brainteaser. However, Origami’s modern cousin, Kirigami, allows the use of scissors and glue.
Lillian Oppenheimer, who was born in New York City at the turn of the 20th Century, is responsible for introducing Origami to the United States and Great Britain. She founded organizations in each of these Countries so that fellow paper-folding lovers such as herself could gather and share their art.
Today, Oppenheimer’s organization still stands in America and is called OrigamiUSA. Each year, they hold a two-week convention beginning on October 24th, Lillian’s birthday, and ending on National Origami Day itself, November 11th. At this Convention, practitioners from all over the Country come together to accomplish massive artistic feats using only paper.
Origami is an intrinsically analytical and trigonometry-based activity that requires focused attention and an inclination toward problem-solving. We cannot wait to put our hands to work on some folds of our own on Origami Day? Would you like to join us?
How to Celebrate National Origami Day
- All too often these ancient practices can be propagated in anonymity without practitioners ever learning who started it all. Take a trip to the library and check out some books on Origami because not only will you learn more about what Origami has meant to Japanese culture over the centuries, but you’ll also find some guides for creating your own.
- Origami Day was established to celebrate the peacefully serene act of folding paper into beautiful new shapes and creatures. What better way to pay tribute than to find some high-quality paper of your own and join in on the fun?
- In ancient Japanese tradition, the origami Crane represents hope and healing. Take the time to create your own Origami Crane and offer it to a friend who needs a smile. We promise you won’t be sorry.
Facts About Paper
- The English word for paper is derived from the Latin word ‘papyrus.’
- Did you know paper wasn’t always the chalky, thin substance we know it as today in fact, the first Bible was printed on sheepskin.
- It’s a common Western tradition to gift newlyweds paper-based gifts for their first anniversary.
- One fully grown Pine Tree can yield up to 80,500 sheets of paper.
- Here is a fun fact for you. The American dollar is actually not made of paper but consists of 75% cotton and 25% linen materials. I never knew this. Did you?
Why we love National Origami Day
Origami is an activity for all ages and on Origami Day spend an afternoon gathered around the dining table to create creatures out of paper with those you love best. We believe that this simplistically beautiful art is a wonderfully effective way to connect with family members.
Most of the world’s most honored art mediums hail from Nations outside of the U.S., and origami is no different. Japan’s aesthetic style of clean, sharp, geometric lines is embodied perfectly in a completed work of Origami. While we’re creasing our paper today, we’ll be sure to remember Origami’s origins.
For those who don’t have a big budget for home decor, Origami is a fantastic way to bring beauty into a space at a low cost. Hanging chains of folded Cranes can be a whimsical way to spruce up any room. Earn extra points by using recycled paper!
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
