Would you fold a thousand paper cranes for a wish?

In Japan, the art of folding paper to make various shapes is known as origami (折り紙), in which ‘ori’ stands for folding and ‘gami’ stands for paper. The form of paper artwork can range from simple to complex. Cranes, samurai hats, flowers, and animals are among some of the most common and traditional origami creations you may come across. 

The Japanese Club has been working in Weeks 2 and 4 on creating origami shapes, with a focus on the creation of the origami crane. An ancient Japanese legend promises that anyone who folds a thousand origami cranes will be granted a wish by the gods. Some stories believe that folding one thousand origami cranes also grants you a long life or recovery from an illness or injury. The origami cranes are now seen as a symbol of peace in Japan and around the world, in reference to their use in petitioning for peace after World War II.  

The origami cranes are a reference to the story of Sadako Sasaki, who was a Japanese victim of the long-term effects of the atomic bombing in Hiroshima. During her time struggling with an illness as a result of the atomic bomb, Sadako folded 1000 origami cranes in a bid to wish for world peace and the end of nuclear war.

August 6th and 9th, 2022, are the 77th anniversaries of the world’s first atomic bombings on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. In Japan and around the world, people gather in early August to remember the victims of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, as well as all other victims of war. The 10 Days of Peace, from August 6-15, are our opportunity to pray for peace and reaffirm our commitment to building a better future without the impacts of war. 

The Japanese Club at St Francis created origami cranes for each homeroom from 7-11 to aid us in our prayer for peace. On Tuesday 9/8, homerooms from 7-11 prayed for the continuation of world peace and remembrance of all those affected by war. 

Below is a prayer for peace that you might like to say with your family during this time:

God, Father, and Mother of this world, 

We come to you from the midst of a broken world where nations raise weapons against nations and mothers and children are the innocent victims of violence. 

We pray that you would inspire us to create a peaceful world. Help us call our leaders to accountability and to remind them that more weapons and war do not bring peace. Make us a peaceful people in a peaceful world. 

Amen. 

Why not try your hand at making some origami for yourself? What would you wish for if you folded a thousand paper cranes?

Kind regards,
Ms Tooby 
Classroom Teacher