The Purpose of this paper is to show where origami originated from, and why it is so popular today.
Origami originated in many different places. It was used as far back as 1185, in the Japanese Heian period. The origins of origami are still in dispute, but it seems that all countries say they started it. Of these, China, Japan, Indonesia, and Korea all claim ownership. Origami has a long history in both the east and west, but all styles of origami are more of a sophistication, which is more an artistic meaning rather than a mere craft. Origami comes from the Japanese words Ori, "folding," and Kami, "paper." When the kami is combined with another word, the k becomes a g. Most of what we know comes from the Edo period in japan, 1603-1867. (Edward). But what we also know is that origami was also in the west when the Moors invaded Spain, in the 8th century.
Origami is used for a lot of things. There are thousands of origami foldings that are useful, along with practical. There are pot holders, boxes, and even wallets. But beyond the Practical items, there is a speritual and meaningful use. Origami is great for hand rehabilitation. Many people have taken this up after having a finger removed to get the hand moving again. Because Origami is not hard to do, many people learn quickly. Noshi, a form of wrapping gifts, as means of "good wishes." (Lister). Used for "Tstumi," or a formal wrapping. Origami is mainly used for "origami –tsuki" which is authenticating a gift. "Origami is a form of visual and sculptural representation that is designed mainly by the folding of a medium". (Lister). Origami is meant for paper certificates. The Heian period, 794-1185 had origami as a nobility hobby. Forms of origami possessed symbolic and ceremonial meanings though. Noshi uses paper folded with a strip of abalone or meat. The Samuri would exchange
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