Origami Day
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Overview
Origami Day, celebrated annually on November 11th, honors the ancient Japanese art of paper folding. This date holds significance as it marks the approximate birthday of the book "Senbazuru Orikata" (considered the first known dedicated origami instruction book, published in 1797) and is also associated with the traditional Japanese folk tale of Sadako Sasaki and the thousand paper cranes, symbolizing peace and hope. It's a day to promote the beauty, mathematical principles, and meditative benefits of origami worldwide.
Origin and story
The word "origami" is derived from the Japanese words "oru" (to fold) and "kami" (paper).
Traditional origami uses a single, square sheet of paper without cutting or gluing.
Quick facts
- DateNovember 11
- TypeLearning / Reading
- Great forBook clubs, Teachers, Students
Also on this date
Ways to celebrate
The paper crane became a global peace symbol because of one sick child's determination. Sadako Sasaki, a Hiroshima girl who developed leukemia at age 12 from radiation exposure as a toddler, began folding paper cranes in her hospital bed after hearing a legend that folding 1,000 would grant a wish — she folded over 1,300 before her death in 1955, and children across Japan later raised money for the Children's Peace Monument built in her memory.
Fold a crane of your own
- Learn the traditional crane fold, the same design Sadako used, from a diagram or video, and try folding several from small squares of paper.
Read Sadako's full story
Helpful resources: The National Park Service recounts her story and its lasting legacy in "The Story of Sadako Sasaki."
Go beyond the crane
- Try a second traditional fold — a box, a boat, or a simple flower — to see how the same handful of basic folds combine into very different shapes.
Did you know?
Hiroshima's Children's Peace Monument, topped with a statue of Sadako holding a golden crane, is still surrounded by donated paper cranes sent from people and school groups around the world as an ongoing tribute.
Fun facts
- The word "origami" is derived from the Japanese words "oru" (to fold) and "kami" (paper).
- Traditional origami uses a single, square sheet of paper without cutting or gluing.
- The paper crane (orizuru) is the most globally recognized origami model and is a powerful symbol of peace.
Sources and attribution
External links may lead to third-party websites.
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FAQ
- When is Origami Day?
- It is observed on November 11 each year.
- What is Origami Day?
- Origami Day, celebrated annually on November 11th, honors the ancient Japanese art of paper folding. This date holds significance as it marks the approximate birthday of the book "Senbazuru Orikata" (considered the first known dedicated origami instruction book, published in 1797) and is also associated with the traditional Japanese folk tale of Sadako Sasaki and the thousand paper cranes, symbolizing peace and hope. It's a day to promote the beauty, mathematical principles, and meditative benefits of origami worldwide.
- How do people celebrate Origami Day?
- Fold a traditional paper crane, try a second fold like a box or boat, and read the story of Sadako Sasaki, whose 1,000-crane hospital project turned the paper crane into a global peace symbol.
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