Origami is the traditional Japanese art of paper folding. The goal is to create objects using only a single sheet of paper and geometric folds without cuts or glue. Well-known origami designs include paper cranes. While origami began in Japan, paper folding traditions also exist in other countries. Origami involves both artistic expression and mathematical principles in the folding patterns.

1. Emily LeBeau 4-1-09

2. Origami Origami ( 折り紙 origami ) (from oru meaning "folding", and kami meaning "paper") is the traditional Japanese art of paper folding. The goal of this art is to create a representation of an object using geometric folds and crease patterns preferably without the use of gluing or cutting the paper, and using only one piece of paper. Origami only uses a small number of different folds, but they can be combined in a variety of ways to make intricate designs. The most well known form is probably the Japanese paper crane . In general, these designs begin with a square sheet of paper whose sides may be different colors or prints. Contrary to most popular belief, traditional Japanese origami, which has been practiced since the Edo era (1603–1867), has often been less strict about these conventions, sometimes cutting the paper during the creation of the design.

3. History There is much speculation as to the origin of origami. It is generally believed that most of its modern developments occurred in Japan; however, there have also been independent paper folding traditions in China , Germany, and Spain, among other places. Origami had already become a significant aspect of Japanese ceremony by the Heian Period of Japanese history. Samurai warriors would exchange gifts adorned with noshi , a sort of good luck token made of folded strips of paper. Origami butterflies were used during the celebration of Shinto weddings to represent the bride and groom.

4. Origami Animals The Angel The Crane The Butterfly

5. Meaning of Color Red : The traditional color for roses and Valentine's Day. It represents strong love, passion and desire. Studies show that a woman in a red dress becomes a focal point in a room! This is a very powerful color. Dark Crimson : Stands for inner beauty and inner strength. It represents soul mates - a connection without words. Pink : Represents happiness, tenderness, best friends and sweethearts. The fresh blush on a maiden's cheeks. Orange : Is a rich color of enthusiasm and energy. The lush autumn foliage and the warmth of a fire.

6. Meaning of Color Yellow : Stands for freedom and joy. It’s the perfect color to spur creativity - to celebrate the beginning of a new project or the completion of a successful one. It is the bright welcome of sunshine. Green : Traditional color of healing - it represents living things growing healthily and with strength. It is the color of harmony and finding balance. The color of luck and wealth. It is of course the modern color for St. Patrick's Day! It is the color of grassy meadows and lush forests. Blue : Represents honor and faith. A trustworthy friend or lover is "true blue". Also the color of meaningful spirituality. It represents a bond of the spirit. In traditional Celtic times, blue was the color of Ireland. It is the color of the sea and of the open sky.

7. Meaning of Color Purple : The traditional color of nobility and courtly love. This is the color of knights and maidens, of princes and princesses. It represents elegance and wine. Amethyst is the stone for birthdays and anniversaries in February. White : Represents the hope for the future, a fresh start, innocence and purity. Has been the traditional color for brides since the Victorian era. In many cultures white represents a joyous eternity. Silver : Stands for elegance. Has been treasured by people for thousands of years. The traditional color for the 25th anniversary. Gold : Represents a love and loyalty which is eternal. Wedding bands are made from gold, and a high compliment is to say someone has "a heart of gold". Gold is the traditional color for the 50th anniversary.

8. Action Origami Origami doesn't just cover still-lifes, it also covers moving objects; Origami can move in clever ways. Action origami includes origami that flies, requires inflation to complete, or, when complete, uses the kinetic energy of a person's hands, applied at a certain region on the model, to move another flap or limb. Some argue that strictly speaking, only the latter is really "recognized" as action origami. Action origami, first appearing with the traditional Japanese flapping bird, is quite common. One example is Robert Lang's instrumentalists; when the figures' heads are pulled away from their bodies, their hands will move, resembling the playing of music.

9. Mathematics of Origami - There are four main mathematical rules for origami crease patterns: Crease patterns are two colorable At any vertex the number of valley and mountain folds always differ by two in either direction. At any vertex, the sum of all the odd angles adds up to 180 degrees, as do the even. A sheet can never penetrate a fold The practice and study of origami encase several subjects of mathematical interest. For instance, the problem of flat-fold ability which means whether a crease pattern can be folded into a 2-dimensional model, has been a topic of considerable mathematical study.

10. My Thoughts… Japan has many great beliefs and an outstanding culture. Beautiful festivals and ceremonies. Japan is just fun all around when you visit. I would love to travel to Japan and spend time with such great people and taking in the surroundings. Japan is breath taking. Anyone would be crazy to not want to go there!