August 30, 2010

Paper Crane Shower (折り鶴シャワー)






Do you know the story of the 1,000 origami cranes (千羽鶴)? It's a famous story in Japan about a girl named Sadako Sasaki (佐々木禎子), who tried to stave off her death from leukemia as a result of radiation from the atomic bombing of Hiroshima during the World War II by making 1,000 origami cranes. She folded 644 and died before she could reach her goal, but her classmates went on to fold the remaining 356 cranes in time for her funeral.

Her story of folding paper cranes has resonated around the world as a universal symbol of peace. Cranes also represent a gesture of caring and sympathy. In Japan, many elementary school students learn how to fold paper cranes in school, often before a trip to Hiroshima, and as a class fold 1,000 to bring with them.

I made 100 (but not 1,000) cranes for my friend last weekend. Not because she is hospitalized or anything like that but for her wedding! It's become more and more popular to use paper cranes as wedding decoration here in the states. But do you know about Paper Crane Shower (折り鶴シャワー)? In Japan, the crane is also a symbol of honor and loyalty, so it makes perfect symbol for a wedding. In the past 2 years, it's also become more and more popular for the newlywed in Japan to do Paper Crane Shower (折り鶴シャワー) instead of Flower Shower. I like this idea very much, You can ask your family and friends to make the cranes for you, or with you, it's a good chance to get your family and friends involved and bring them closer. It also save some money, and you can have the cranes in any color you want. M friends told me that little kids also had fun picking up the cranes after the wedding.

A thousand paper cranes is also traditionally given as a wedding gift by the folder, who is wishing a thousand years of happiness and prosperity upon the couple. It can also be gifted to a new baby for long life and good luck. Hanging a Senbazuru (千羽鶴) in one's home is thought to be a powerfully lucky and benevolent charm.

If you are going to have a wedding, maybe you should think about doing this Paper Crane Shower (折り鶴シャワー). You don't have to make 1,000 of them, 2 to 3 hundred will do!

14 comments:

  1. what a lovely
    paper crane
    post that
    showers us
    w/such
    pretty peace!!

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  2. i would definitely do this idea!! That story was so sad at teh start. I tried making a crane before but i failed miserably. Do i need a special paper?

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  3. Nice to know now the real story behind the paper cranes ! The only thing they say in the Netherlands to this is ; that it will bring you luck ?!

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  4. I shared this on my blog, today, making sure to give you credit. Thanks for the wonderful posting. Take care!

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  5. loved reading about this..i have never heard about it before...

    love coming here and visiting you...

    sending love,
    kary
    xxx

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  6. So beautiful. What a lovely tradition that began with such sadness.
    They are stunning!

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  7. I'm loving paper cranes right now. I love all the origami artworks. They are so delicate and special and just... yummy!! Can't believe that sad story ended with such happiness in a 1000 paper cranes. x

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  8. Love your post about cranes! Very informative and touching! Thanks for sharing!

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  9. I just love the crane story. It's been ages since I heard it, so thanks for refreshing my memory! You are obviously a fantastic friend...you made 100 cranes! Were your fingers sore after all that tiny folding? ;)They're beautiful. You did a great job.

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  10. Your cranes are delightful! Thanks for sharing.

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  11. Hey, little happy meeting!

    Lovely space, best regards from Barcelona, Spain!

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  12. This is so beautiful!! I have always wanted to learn. So glad to have found your lovely blog.

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  13. The story of the paper crane is so beautiful. I always hear and watch it on TV dramas in Asia.

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