Origami Cranes for Weddings

Photos by Dave Miyamoto & Company

The tradition of folding 1,000 paper (origami) cranes commenced in Japan, and originally, the intent of folding these cranes was for healing in time of sickness, particularly when one is hospitalized. The crane, in Japan, is considered an auspicious bird, symbolizing longevity, and thus, the connection to well wishes for someone ailing from an illness.

Others in Japan say that if you fold 1,000 of these cranes, your wish will come true. It therefore stands to reason that thousands of paper cranes can be found at peace parks and memorials in Japan, and as gifts for dear friends and family.

This tradition has since transformed in Hawaii, and many today, particularly those of Japanese descent, choose to fold 1,000 origami cranes for their wedding. According to Hawai'i's local Japanese tradition, the bride folds 1,000 cranes, requiring dedication and perseverance, found to be desirable traits in a marriage. These cranes can then be mounted and framed, thus serving as a beautiful art piece to be enjoyed for years to come.

In the photos above, Dayna and Billy chose local crane artist, It's About Time, to mount their cranes. Note the individual cranes, carefully and strategically placed behind the plexiglass, with the negative space in the design revealing the cranes. For this particular piece, modern day couple, Dayna and Billy both had a hand in the creation of their cranes, with Dayna meticulously folding the paper, and Billy painstakingly gluing each one, in order to be flat enough for Christine and Brian of It's About Time to mount.

If planning to fold cranes for your wedding, start early! The folding itself can be a daunting task. Allow your crane mounter ample time for the mounting process, and give yourself a week at the minimum to get the mounted cranes framed. Happy folding!