Senbazuru

Senbazuru (Zenbazuru) is a group of one thousand origami cranes lined on a string.

Origami (in japanese oru - "folding", kami - "paper") is the traditional Japanese art of paper folding. The basic principle of origami is to make an object by using geometric folds and crease patterns. Everything should be done with no gluing or cutting the paper. Only one piece of paper is allowed to make one object.

Hiden Senbazuru Orikata

According to experts beginnings of origami can be traced in the 8th century. Japanese aristocrats of that time noticed creases on paper when folded during wrapping of gifts. The oldest book about origami was published in 1797 as "Hiden Senbazuru Orikata" ("Secret to Folding One-thousand Cranes").

Origami paper used in making Senbazuru is in most cases of a solid colour. Still, paper with printed designs can also be bought. Standard size of paper used is 7.5 x 7.5 cm (about 3 x 3 inches). Like in many other things rules are there to be broken. So, some people use any kind of paper like for example that of a magazine.

Individual origami cranes are assembled to 25 strings with 40 cranes on each string. Whole sets of 1000 sheets of paper for making your Senbuzuru are available. Few extra sheets are usually added in case you make a mistake. Strings and beads that prevent the cranes from slipping are also part of sets.

origami cranes

Cranes are big birds with long legs and long necks. Cranes belong to the order Gruiformes, and family Gruidae. They are known for their beauty and spectacular mating dances. They became part of mythology in many cultures.

red-crowned cranes

As to Japanese mythology, cranes („tancho“) belong to the mystical or holy animals (other two are dragon and tortoise). For the Japanese crane is "the bird of happiness" or "Honourable Lord Crane". Seeing two cranes at one time is known to be good luck.

It is believed that cranes live for thousand years. There are numerous Japanese legends about this belief. Let's mention the one about great warrior Yorimoto who lived in the 12th century. When he died his soul was transformed into a crane and flew away.

Yorimoto used to attach labels to the legs of cranes. This labels contained a short message asking all those who capture cranes to write the name of their place and then re-release the birds. Many centuries after Yorimoto's death there were reports by people claiming that they saw those cranes.

Cranes are a popular theme in the traditional Japanese art. Perfect example for this claim is 15 meters long scroll with cranes made by Tawaraya Sotatsu in the early 17th century. The scorll is now kept in the Tokyo National Museum.

Why do people make Senbazuru? There is a legend which says that folding a thousand origami cranes will make a wish, like for example long life or recovery from illness or injury, come true.

Senbazuru is traditionally given as a wedding present. It is a wish for a thousand years of happiness and prosperity for the couple. Many give Senbazuru to a newly born baby too.

Senbazuru

People in Japan believe that having a Senbazuru hanged inside home will bring good luck. Relatively new tradition is the making of 1001 origami cranes. People started making this extra one just for good luck.