Backyard Neighbor: BLUE MONDAY

July 13, 2009

BLUE MONDAY - ORIGAMI

Have you ever made something with the art of Origami? I have, but I never pursued this art form. In a museum out west we saw very large origami animals hanging from the ceiling. I photographed a blue crane that was three to four feet tall. There were other animals as well, but the blue crane caught my eye. I knew it would be interesting to share for 'Blue Monday' hosted by Sally at, Smiling Sally. I hope you enjoy it too.

I have wondered how one goes about making an origami crane as large as this one. Now I wish I had taken photos of the rest of the animals. sigh.

I enjoyed reading the following interesting facts about origami cranes.
Thousand Origami Cranesis a group of one thousand origami paper cranes held together by strings.

An ancient Japanese legend promises that anyone who folds a thousand origami cranes will be granted a wish by a crane, such as long life or recovery from illness or injury. The crane in Japan is one of the mystical or holy beasts (others include the dragon and tortoise), and is said to live for a thousand years. In Asia, it is commonly said that folding 1000 paper origami cranes makes a person's wish come true. This makes them popular gifts for special friends and family.

A thousand paper cranes is also traditionally given as a wedding gift by the folder, who is wishing a thousand years of happiness and prosperity upon the couple. It can also be gifted to a new baby for long life and good luck. Hanging a Senbazuru in one's home is thought to be a powerfully lucky and benevolent charm. It is also used as a matchmaking charm for a Japanese girl when she turns 13 years old. She would make 1000 paper cranes and give it to an admired boy.

Sample of 1000 origami cranes

Be sure and visit Sally for more blue treasures or interesting photos featuring 'blue'

Love...Jeanne

Jul 13, 2009 2:00:00 AM

16 Comments

Good morning, dear friend. I imagine it seems so quiet at your house as you wake. I know you will miss all of the smiles and hugs.

I enjoyed reading the information about origami. It is a fascinating art form.

Posted by: Beverly | July 13, 2009 at 06:18 AM

I've done some basic origami with my students, but I've never seen anything like that huge crane! Thanks for sharing, Jeanne!

Posted by: Elizabeth | July 13, 2009 at 06:38 AM

Morning, Dear Jeanne! Oh, this is amazing! I've never done origami but it's nice to look at! Enjoyed the info on this art! Hope you're doing well and have a beautiful day!
be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Posted by: Shelia | July 13, 2009 at 06:55 AM

Good morning, Jeanne. Origami is fascinating. I saw something about a large origami construction, on TV, just in the past couple of days. It took the origami artist several years to finish.

Posted by: Pat | July 13, 2009 at 08:14 AM

Origami is so cool. I am amazed at some of the designs that can be made just folding paper!!
We're heading up to your neck of the woods soon, and I can't wait!! YAY for family reunions in the mountains!!
Hope you have a blessed week!
HUGS,
Becky

Posted by: Becky | July 13, 2009 at 11:19 AM

Origami is a great art. Wish I could learn, maybe one day. Geri

Posted by: Geri@heartnsoulcooking | July 13, 2009 at 12:48 PM

Oh Jeanne, Guess the timing is off. We will arrive on the 19th and leave the 26th. :o( I would love to meet you, too, sweetie. We always drive over to Franklin for bowling and skating, and will probably be there for gem mining, too.

Well, we'll be back there in 2011!! Lord willing!!

Sorry to hear about your aunt. I will be praying for her and for your trip!
Thanks so much for thinking of me, Jeanne. It just made my day!
Blessings and HUGS!!
Becky

Posted by: Becky | July 13, 2009 at 01:27 PM

I know about this art form, but I've never tried it and I've never seen an example so large. Awesome. Happy Blue Monday.

Posted by: Sally | July 13, 2009 at 01:28 PM

Hi Jeanne! Happy Monday to you and your dear family.... and a blessed rest of the week!

Hugs

cielo

Posted by: cielo | July 13, 2009 at 03:04 PM

Howdy Jeanne
Happy Blue Monday to you .
This is one amazing post.
You always seem to find something so unique and wonderful to post for Blue Monday.
Thank you for sharing .
I would love to find out more about how they made a paper crane that large.
Have a great week.
Happy Trails

Posted by: Terry | July 13, 2009 at 03:07 PM

Years ago my children made cranes for a museum that used them to decorate a Christmas tree. You always find some out of the ordinary for us to enjoy. I love it!

Posted by: Mary | July 13, 2009 at 04:22 PM

Jeanne, Thanks for stopping by and leaving such a nice comment. I can't imagine making 1000 of anything! They are beautiful though. Thanks for sharing.
Dawn

Posted by: Dawn | July 13, 2009 at 05:33 PM

Hi, Jeanne... hope all is well with you and that you have had a great visit with your grands!

I've always found origami fascinating, and I met someone once who could just pick up anything and make origami figures. It was fascinating watching her work. She's a friend of Mary Anne's and made some really cool things out of dollar bills for several people at a party. Now I wish I had handed her one for me, too.

XO,

Sheila :-)

Posted by: Sheila | July 13, 2009 at 05:46 PM

Pretty origami.

Have a wonderful week Beverly.
Regina

Posted by: Regina | July 13, 2009 at 10:33 PM

Pretty origami.

Have a wonderful week Jeanne.
Regina

Posted by: Regina | July 13, 2009 at 10:34 PM