Origami is the art of folding paper into objects like animals, furniture, and food. It started in Japan during the Muromachi period when gifts were wrapped in decorative paper. By the 1900s, origami became a popular activity for children. The word origami comes from the Japanese words "ori" meaning to fold, and "kami" meaning paper. Common origami models include cranes, dart shapes, and paper planes, but more complex designs are now being created as origami gains worldwide recognition. In Japan, thousand origami cranes strung together symbolize longevity and peace, inspired by the story of a girl named Sadako who made cranes while sick from radiation exposure after the atomic bombing of Hiro

1. ORIGAMI
By Moe,Mirei,Lilac

2. About Origami
Origami is the art to fold paper into many kinds of things,
such as animals, furnitures, foods, and many other kinds. The
first Origami model in Japan was mentioned in Ihara
Saikaku's poem. ( 1680s ) Folding started in the Muromachi
period when high classed people started wrapping stuff with
paper which was attached to gifts and gift cards. In 1900s,
paper foldings became popular with kindergarteners and
children. The word Origami "ori" means to fold, gami
( kami ) means paper.
From Wikipedia and http://blogs.c.yimg.jp/res/blog-1f-
9f/mitosya/folder/503019/20/33737620/img_1?1292330065

3. How to make a paper crane

4. Types of Origami models
There are many kinds of origami
models. The most common types
are the crane, the dart and the
paper plane. However, in recent
years origami is being recognized
all over the world. As a result more
complex and outstanding origami
models are being created.
From Wikipedia

5. Thousand cranes
As the name suggest it is a thousand cranes that is bundled
together with strings. The thousand cranes are called
"Senbazuru" in Japanese. In Japan we make these when
somebody is in bad health because paper cranes symbolize
longevity. The "Senbazuru" has been a symbol of peace as
well. When a girl in Hiroshima named Sasaki Sadako
became sick due to radiation a few years after the atomic
bomb was dropped she made these cranes to pray to live.
This became an icon of the Hiroshima peace park. Even now
people from around the world make the "Senbazuru" to
send or bring to the park in memory of the war and her
death.
From http://www.ntt-union-do on ata.gr.jp/news/342