Growing up in Japan, I remember learning to create folded paper cranes for a very sick classmate -- in 3rd or 4th grade. Our classroom managed to create 1,000 cranes for this boy, but as I recall, he later died and we all attended his funeral. More recently in my life, when my mother was very sick with cancer, I folded 1,000 cranes for her. Unfortunately, my mother did not survive the ravages of cancer, despite my prayers and origami creations.
Folding 1,000 cranes is a beautiful Japanese custom. The Japanese use the crane for this because it is believed that cranes and turtles symbolize longevitiy -- cranes live 1,000 years, and turtles 10,000, we're told! I find the custom to be very therapeutic, too, as the creative process of folding colorful paper can be calming and soothing to frayed nerves -- not to mention beautiful and uplifting as you watch the process unfold (no pun intended!).
After World War II and the dropping of the A-bomb in Hiroshima, Sadako became well known as she strived to create 1,000 cranes herself before dying of leukemia. As a result, the folded origami crane has become a popular symbol for World Peace (see more on Sadako's story here). I personally fold these cranes and place them in my books as a symbol for the peace that is coming soon to our world. I believe that as we do our grief and death work in a good way, peace will come even sooner!
In response to the devastating earthquake and tsunami that struck nothern Japan on March 11, Students Rebuild and DoSomething.org have come together to create a meaningful way for students worldwide to support their Japanese peers.
You, too, can help Japan by making origami peace cranes!
Here's what Students Rebuild has to say about their success on this Project so far:
"This week we launched a second challenge in partnership with DoSomething.org in response to the tragic earthquake and tsunami in Sendai to give young people a way to support their peers in Japan—including children in Haiti who know firsthand the devastating impact of a massive earthquake. Paper Cranes for Japan combines the power of DoSomething.org’s deep experience engaging youth audiences and theBezos Family Foundation’s commitment to help young people connect, learn, and take action around critical global issues.
"In less than a week, seven schools in Haiti are making cranes, representing more than 1,000 kids collectively folding for Japan; over 7,400 young people posted origami cranes and wishes of support on the “Paper Cranes for Japan” Facebook page; and Students Rebuild has received hundreds of requests for mailing labels to send in cranes from over 15 different countries, including Romania and New Zealand. The Bezos Family Foundation will donate $2 for every crane mailed in to fund Architecture for Humanity’s plan to support Japanese architects’ rebuilding efforts."
If you are a student or a teacher, or if you know a student or teacher who might be interested in this Project, please help spread the word about this creative, engaging, hope-filled approach to bringing the young people of the world together -- and to help us heal the world together. May Peace prevail on Earth! Yours in Love, Peace, and Service, Dancing heart~~~~
Here's the address for Students Rebuild (They happen to be located in my "hometown" of Seattle. Go Seattle!):
1700 7th Avenue
STE 116 # 145
Seattle, WA 98101
If you are in the Phoenix Area, there will be a Meet-up to make the cranes next Saturday, Apr
Comments