From wedding decor and Christmas decorations to a source of inspiration for fashion, furniture and architecture, the art of paper folding has so many incredible applications. Over the years, origami has developed into a true art that is more diverse and internationally recognized than ever before. Beginners relax by folding simple origami figures while origami artists create real 3D works of art. Bird figures are particularly popular. Revered throughout Japan, the origami bird is a symbol of longevity, happiness, love and more. Although there are several species of birds that play an important role in both the cultural and religious life of the country, the crane, the rooster and the owl are at the top of the list. We will show you some interesting folding instructions and reveal what significance bird figures have.
The crane as a symbol of luck
Perhaps the most commonly used origami figure is the crane. Cranes represent long life, health, wisdom and good luck. In Japanese art, the crane is often depicted alongside the Seven Gods of Fortune of Japan (Shichifukujin). However, it is not only valued in Japan. In China, cranes are worshiped as divine messengers from heaven. In Greek mythology, the crane was associated with Demeter, the goddess of fertility and harvest. In Christian symbolism, cranes are seen as natural enemies of Satan. Because of their long migration, they also became a symbol of endurance and their wings were once used as talismans to aid weary travelers. The return of migratory birds in spring is a symbol of Christ's resurrection.
In Japanese weddings, there is a tradition where someone, usually the mother or father of the bride, gives 1000 cranes as a wedding gift to wish the couple a long and happy marriage. A legend says that whoever folds 1000 cranes will have a wish granted, typically a long life and good health. By the way, you can also read the story of Sasaki Sadako.
The Rooster – Niwatori
In ancient Japanese myth, the rooster is said to have lured the sun goddess Amaterasu out of her cave to bring light back into the sky after a period of dark darkness. In recognition of the rooster's bravery during this time of despair, this Japanese bird is a symbol of courage throughout Japan. Because of their relationship with the goddess Amaterasu, roosters are considered sacred birds that are allowed to roam freely in Shinto Buddhist temples. The fighting cock is also a symbol of masculinity, dominance and courage. The rooster was a sacred bird for both Greeks and Romans.
The Hens
The hen is an image of motherhood and embodies maternal qualities such as domesticity and care. So she is a symbol of motherly love. In spiritual terms, the hen with the egg represents fertility and new beginnings.
The Owl – Fukuro
As you travel through Japan, you will undoubtedly recognize the importance of owls in daily Japanese life. Fukuro are popular lucky charms in Japan and are said to be effective against difficulties. The owl is also a symbol of wisdom, science and art. The Greek goddess of wisdom Athena is often depicted with an owl on her shoulder.
Nightingales: love and longing
The nightingale is the bird of love, protecting secret lovers from prying eyes with its evening song. It was once thought that because it sings all night long, the nightingale never sleeps at all. The nightingale's melodic song is appreciated around the world and is considered a source of inspiration for poets, writers and singers. Nightingales teach their offspring to sing and are therefore often symbols of education and good teaching. The nightingale is the bird of the month for May.
Fold swan
Swans are also one of the most popular origami shapes. The model is simpler than the crane and is well suited for beginners. Origami swans are often used as wedding or anniversary decorations because swans mate for life and are therefore a symbol of eternal love.
Origami peace dove
Pigeons have always been a symbol of happiness and peace. The Greek goddess of love Aphrodite is often associated with the dove. In the Bible, the dove represents hope. A white dove returnedwith an olive leafin the beak back to Noah in the ark and brought the certainty that the flood has finally ended.
Letting white doves fly at a wedding is an old tradition that is said to bring good luck. This bird also appears very romantic in the form of origami. It's pretty easy to make and doesn't have any complicated folds. In combination with a few bird cages and bouquets of gypsophila, they form a very special ensemble.
Make your own hummingbird out of paper
The hummingbird bird symbolizes joy in life and lightheartedness as well as adaptability. As a spirit animal, he is a reminder to enjoy the sweetness of life, avoid negativity, and express love daily. This fascinating bird, despite its small size, is capable of the most amazing feats, such as: B. to cover large distances or to be able to fly backwards. Hummingbirds can encourage you to develop your adaptability and resilience while maintaining an optimistic outlook on life.
Parrot as a symbol of exoticism and diversity
A parrot is a fascinating animal with colorful plumage. This tropical bird is symbolic of creativity, exoticism and love. It is also often associated with originality and beauty. For the one colorful origami bird you can use two-colored paper. The combination of green and yellow, for example, looks beautiful. Folding a budgie is easy, but Macau Macao parrots are a little more complicated.
Bird figures as wedding decorations
Wedding decorations with origami are now very trendy. Origami figures not only look beautiful, but also give the wedding a personal feel. The financial advantage should not be underestimated either. Married couples can save a lot by folding their own invitations and decorations.
Here is a great example of a backdrop of cranes behind the bridal table. In keeping with Japanese tradition, the bride's family and friends folded 1,000 origami cranes. At the bachelorette party, each of the bride's friends also made a crane out of gold paper.
Origami birds are wonderful to have with youKusudama flower ballscombine. A bridal bouquet of kusudama flowers is also remarkably easy to make and can be customized according to the bride's preferences. The origami bouquets also look great when placed in vases.
DIY table decorations for a country-style wedding
The long wedding tables, which offer enough space for all guests, have also become increasingly popular recently. To create a central focus on the magnificent table, you can do without floral decorations. Instead, decorative trees and cranes are a great alternative.
When planning their wedding, the bride and groom came up with the idea of making their own wedding table decorations. Origami cranes should be included in the decoration because they had a special meaning for the bride and groom. So they bought small white artificial trees and hung the garlands of red and silver cranes. Eucalyptus branches were arranged on the linen table runner.
These birds are also perfect as place cards and small gifts for wedding guests. A sweet example of how you could design your own wedding place cards: The guest's name and the respective table number are written on a white crane with a gold marker.
A three-dimensional bird figure as a party bag for guests is also an original gift idea. These origami birds in cobalt blue with gold decorations look very elegant. It does take some patience, but it's worth it.
Make a mobile for the baby's room
An origami bird is considered a good luck charm. So it's not a bad idea to have a few of them in your home. One of the most popular craft ideas is the crane mobile for the baby bed. The cranes float elegantly and delicately through the room and are simply beautiful to look at.
Make pretty wall decorations yourself
The decoration is an eye-catcher not only in the children's room. Here is a nice idea on how to decorate a white wall with colorful cranes. The homemade wall decoration gives the room a personal touch and you can design it according to your taste.
Crane in a glass
You can present anything that is beautiful or valuable to you in a glass bell jar. So if you get an origami crane as a gift, you can showcase it this way. Pierce the crane with a needle and thread and stick the upper end of the suspension to the bell jar using adhesive tape. In a similar way, you can also make customized gifts for friends and family.
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