ORIGAMI
History
Origami is the Japanese name for the art of paper folding. There are still many unanswered questions about the origins and history of origami due to the lack of evidence. Because of the fragile nature of paper, few specimens have survived over the centuries. Paper originally found its way into Japan from China and was used for religious ceremonies. It was too expensive for the general public to use. Origami in Europe is thought to have been developed independently from Japan. It appears in books around the 1400's (some historians disagree) and in European paintings of the 1800's. The first book published in the art of origami was in 1797 in Japan. It was called Senbazuru Orikata. Actually the name origami may have come into popular use only 100 years ago. Previously it was also known as "orikata", as from the book, "orisue", "orimono", and "tatamigami".
And then the son of a dairy farmer made origami what it has become today. Akira Yoshizawa was born on 14 March 1911, in Kaminokawa, Japan. As a technical draftsmen he taught junior employees geometry, a branch of mathematics. Yoshizawa used the traditional art of origami to understand and communicate geometrical ideas. During the second world war, Akira Yoshizawa served in the army medical corps in Hong Kong. He made origami models to cheer up the sick patients, but eventually fell ill himself and was sent back to Japan. In 1954 he published a book, Atarashii Origami Geijutsu (New Origami Art). In his book he outlined the notation used as instructions in origami (a system of symbols, arrows and diagrams). This has become a standard for paperfolders. The same year he founded the International Origami Centre in Tokyo. He never sold his origami figures, but gave them away as gifts. He died on the 14th of March 2005 (his birthday).- source Wikipedia.
And then the son of a dairy farmer made origami what it has become today. Akira Yoshizawa was born on 14 March 1911, in Kaminokawa, Japan. As a technical draftsmen he taught junior employees geometry, a branch of mathematics. Yoshizawa used the traditional art of origami to understand and communicate geometrical ideas. During the second world war, Akira Yoshizawa served in the army medical corps in Hong Kong. He made origami models to cheer up the sick patients, but eventually fell ill himself and was sent back to Japan. In 1954 he published a book, Atarashii Origami Geijutsu (New Origami Art). In his book he outlined the notation used as instructions in origami (a system of symbols, arrows and diagrams). This has become a standard for paperfolders. The same year he founded the International Origami Centre in Tokyo. He never sold his origami figures, but gave them away as gifts. He died on the 14th of March 2005 (his birthday).- source Wikipedia.
Sadako sasaki and the 1000 cranes
There are differing accounts of this inspiring story about a Japanese girl affected by the second world war. Most variations differ about the number of origami cranes Sadako completed when in hospital.
Sadako Sasaki was a 2 year old girl living in Hiroshima Japan. On the morning of the 6th of August 1945, she was playing in the living room of her home. An American B-29 bomber, the Enola Gay flew over the city, and at 8:15 am dropped an atomic bomb. Sadako was living just 1700m from the drop zone and the shockwave blew her out of the front window and out onto the street. Her mother and many of her neighbours died but she survived along with her father, grandmother and sisters. However, like many victims of the atomic bomb it was the nuclear fallout or 'black rain' that affected the people of Hiroshima mostly. One day in August 1955, the school held its Field Day (athletics day), an event where she competed and helped her team win a relay race. She fainted after the race and experienced further periods of tiredness and fainting a few days later. Eventually she was taken from school to the local hospital for diagnosis. Sadako had developed a form of leukaemia, a medical problem associated with nuclear radiation and fallout from the atomic bomb 10 years previously. While in hospital she learned the legend of the 1000 paper cranes.
Sadako Sasaki was a 2 year old girl living in Hiroshima Japan. On the morning of the 6th of August 1945, she was playing in the living room of her home. An American B-29 bomber, the Enola Gay flew over the city, and at 8:15 am dropped an atomic bomb. Sadako was living just 1700m from the drop zone and the shockwave blew her out of the front window and out onto the street. Her mother and many of her neighbours died but she survived along with her father, grandmother and sisters. However, like many victims of the atomic bomb it was the nuclear fallout or 'black rain' that affected the people of Hiroshima mostly. One day in August 1955, the school held its Field Day (athletics day), an event where she competed and helped her team win a relay race. She fainted after the race and experienced further periods of tiredness and fainting a few days later. Eventually she was taken from school to the local hospital for diagnosis. Sadako had developed a form of leukaemia, a medical problem associated with nuclear radiation and fallout from the atomic bomb 10 years previously. While in hospital she learned the legend of the 1000 paper cranes.
In Japanese culture, the crane is a symbol of loyalty, nobility, and beauty. Sadako's room mate in hospital shared with her the legend that if she could fold 1000 paper cranes she would be granted her most desired wish. Sadako wished to get well again . Some say that she never completed the task and was helped by her friends at school to complete the 1000 cranes. Other evidence from her father suggests she made the 1000 cranes and more. However, Sadako eventually passed away on the 25th of October 1955. It was exactly one year since she won the athletics day relay race. The cranes were buried with her.
Her school raised money for a monument dedicated to all the children of Japanese cities killed during the war. It depicts Sadako with raised arm holding a paper crane. The monument is inscribed "This is our cry. This is our prayer. Peace in the world."
Her school raised money for a monument dedicated to all the children of Japanese cities killed during the war. It depicts Sadako with raised arm holding a paper crane. The monument is inscribed "This is our cry. This is our prayer. Peace in the world."
origami and mathematics
Origami has been used in recent years to connect students with mathematics in a fun way. Many students do not realise the mathematical significance of origami whether the paper model is a crane or large geometrical shape. Geometrical shapes in origami blend mathematics and art.
the sonobe unit
The sonobe unit is a geometrical parallelogram used in the construction of more complicated origami designs.