Even in the 21st century, the term "Origami" is no longer unfamiliar to us. However, in this article, we will discuss "What is Origami?" from the beginning to further clarify our understanding. Origami comes from the Japanese word "oru," meaning "to fold," and the Japanese word "kami," meaning paper. Therefore, when these two words are combined, they mean "folded paper" or "paper folds."
Origami is the art of paper folding that originated in China around the 7th century and was later popularized in Japan, giving the impression that origami is truly Japanese. Nevertheless, origami has become a part of traditional culture that is deeply ingrained in Japanese society.
This can be seen in the fact that origami is often taught to students in schools, starting from elementary school. Furthermore, proof of the Japanese people's love for origami is their constant innovation and creative improvisation in producing a variety of origami folds of highly artistic value.
History of Origami
The paper first used to make origami was called washi paper. This soft and beautiful washi paper was first created in the early 7th century and was a result of China's development of papermaking methods that were introduced to Japan. The invention of washi resulted in various cultural objects, one of which is origami.
The question of "When was origami first practiced?" is sometimes difficult to answer based on existing historical evidence. To date, insufficient documentation has been found, making it difficult to say for certain when origami was first practiced by society. However, like Tatou paper, origami paper is said to have been used practically to wrap various objects since the 10th century.
In reality, some claim that origami originated in China and Spain, besides Japan. In Europe, papermaking techniques existed as early as the 12th century, and they also played with origami in their own way. However, it's fair to say that Japan has been the most active in developing the art of origami, preserving its traditional artistic values well into the modern era. That's why, when we hear the word origami, we automatically associate it with Japan, the country where this art originated.
Is Glue or Scissors Not Used in Origami?
Using glue is commonplace in origami. Glue is used to join two separate objects or to strengthen certain parts. Over time, the shape of an origami piece can become disintegrated, so to maintain its shape, glue is needed to strengthen the paper parts.
There are many examples where scissors are used in classic or traditional works. Today, among origami enthusiasts, some still maintain that the use of scissors is not permitted, and that it is best to complete an origami creation using only one square sheet of paper.
This is based on the essence of maintaining the traditional nature of Origami itself, which truly relies solely on paper folding without the use of cutting or pasting tools. However, as Origami has evolved over time, developed with innovation and creativity by modern hands to produce amazing Origami forms, scissors and glue have played a role in the creation process.
Origami Crane – A Symbol of Peace (The Tale of 1000 Cranes)
The story of 1000 cranes begins with the story of a 10-year-old girl named Sadako Sasaki (1943–1955). She was ill at the time after the bombing of Hiroshima. She believed she would be healed by the prayers she included in the origami cranes she had made, which eventually reached 1,000. However, God had other plans, and Sadako died at the age of 12.
This heartbreaking story has been told in various versions and spread throughout the world. In Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, a Children's Peace Monument was erected, depicting Sadako adorned with thousands of storks from around the world. Today, the 1,000 storks serve not only as a prayer for one's wishes to come true, but also as a symbol of prayer for peace.
In today's daily life, the belief that making 1,000 origami cranes can make one's wishes come true still persists. Typically, making 1,000 origami cranes is expected to bring about wishes such as passing exams, safety, realizing dreams, and so on.
But in essence, they didn't just sit back and try to make their hopes and desires come true by simply making 1,000 origami cranes; they persevered. So, by making 1,000 origami cranes, they could incorporate prayers and make up their minds over and over again until they had made 1,000 cranes, until their hopes and desires came true.
The Essence of Origami
For those new to the term origami or just learning to create shapes from origami patterns, they likely think of it as simply entertainment or a paper game. However, origami itself has many inherent qualities.
By creating an Origami form, a person is expected to learn a flexible attitude which is reflected in the flexibility of the paper folded according to the existing pattern, skills which are reflected in the formation of various Origami forms, patience which is reflected in each detailed curve and fold to form a beautiful Origami creation.
From this attitude, a flexible human mindset will be formed in responding to problems in life, skilled in producing brilliant ideas and not only looking at a life problem from only one side, as well as the patience that humans need in pursuing something they do in their lives until it produces something that is beneficial for their lives and the lives of others.
The overall attitude required of someone who practices origami can be summarized in a single concept called 和 'wa', which means "harmony." Harmony can also be interpreted as harmony and compatibility.
Let's look at the beginning of an origami creation, which begins with the use of square paper, each side of which must be the same length. Then, each fold is based on guidelines for dividing horizontal and vertical fold lines, as well as other fold patterns, which must be balanced. If fold balance is neglected, a beautiful origami shape will not be achieved.
Therefore, it is very true that Origami has the essence of maintaining harmony. This is what is contained in the Japanese concept of life, which always maintains harmony in its life. Despite the fact that many Japanese people do not obey religious regulations and prioritize rationality over God's decisions. They try to create a life of harmony, harmony and harmony in everyday life.
We can see this in his disciplined lifestyle habits, being able to appreciate other people's work well, appreciating time carefully, having high tolerance in his daily life, being able to respect other people in their place which is manifested in the Ojigi culture,
The use of polite language keigo, sonkeigo and kenjogo, full concentration on what is being done to produce something useful, diligent and skilled in working, tends to be dynamic in developing a positive mindset,
They also maintain Japan's traditional aspects even amidst increasingly modernization, such as festivals or matsuri, the art of chanoyu tea, ikebana flower arranging, and many other traditions they maintain to this day. By embodying all these aspects of life, the Japanese believe that the harmony created will become even more beautiful.
For students or the general public interested in Origami, I'Mc Center Surabaya offers Origami courses. I'Mc Center Surabaya's Origami classes are held twice a week. Interested students can register directly for the Origami course.
