Paper folding is a creative and fun hobby using paper to create things. The creator’s fingers work skillfully across a sheet of paper. He can magically turn it into an alligator, flower, dove or even a majestic lion. This hobby survived centuries of competition from other arts in the 21st century.

Literally meaning “the art of paper folding”, this state-of-the-art craft uses “kami”, a special kind of paper that lets the crafter form intricate designs and imaged without gluing or cutting the paper. It was in the 6th century when this craft was brought to Japan by Buddhist monks from China. The Japanese has learned to incorporate this new art in many of their cultural ceremonies such as weddings and special gifts or tokens were made using this technique. When Origami was just beginning to grow in Japan, it was already spreading in Spain. It was brought to Arab and North Africa and brought to Spain by the Moors in the 8th century. Since paper was scarce during the old days, Origami was regarded as something fit for the rich because only they could afford to buy.

Indulging in paper-folding requires special skills and the right materials for the projects. A special kind of Japanese paper called “kami” is commonly used for the task. This is colored on one side and white on the other. However, there are several others sold in the market that can compensate for the traditional one. Special double-colored and patterned papers are now being utilized for models that are designed to interchange colors. The more predominant type of paper used is the “washi”. Made from wood pulp, it is tougher than ordinary paper. The weight of the paper being used largely defines the quality of creases and folds a crafter can come up with while doing the project. Aside from paper, you can opt to use a folding bone, a tool used by many to help in more intricate and delicate designs.

This art was passed on from one generation to the next, often by word of mouth. No handbook or manual was printed until the late 17th century. The book “Hiden Senbazuru Orikata” which translates to “The Secret of One Thousand Cranes Origami” is the first on this craft ever printed. Soon after, many other guidebooks have been published. Around the world, the art of paper folding has become a favorite.

Over the years, Origami has not only been a beautiful work of art. There are underlying benefits to it. Various organizations and other educational institutions found out that in teaching kids this craft, they are able to impart basic human values such as discipline and cooperation. Paperfolding has also been a tool used in mental health and physical therapy. Motor skills are developed as a result of engaging in this activity. Even in Math, origami has been found to be an effective learning tool. Students can understand quickly basic concepts in geometry and fractions.

Clearly, origami was and always will be a part of our daily lives. Whether you realize it or not, you may just be using an old technique to get you through new challenges.