1000 Cranes for Japan

The crane is a mystical, holy creature in Japan - it represents luck, good fortune, and long-life. The act of folding cranes, specifically, 1000 cranes, is said to make the folder's wish come true.

Strings of one thousand paper cranes are often sent to places where tragedy has struck as a symbol of hope & healing. Sometimes groups will fold 1000 cranes for an ailing friend in hopes of speeding their recovery.

Whether you believe in the power of the crane, or simply in the gentle act of beauty and kindness, there is something uplifting about this tradition.

I don't really know where I am going with this, but my shoebox of origami paper is out and I am folding cranes. If any of you feel inspired to do the same, I am including a link for an origami tutorial.

I think it would be a beautiful show of support and love for Japan if flickr was flooded with paper cranes. Is it too much to hope for a virtual chain of 1000 cranes? If you make one, send me a flickr mail. I will start a group if there is enough interest. Feel free to spread the word.

about 1000 cranes
paper crane tutorial