What is Origami? Information about the history and types

The art of origami is a process that helps to discover the beauty of paper. The delicate structure, hardness and flexibility of paper increase the applicability of this art. For many people, making origami isn’t just a hobby, it’s also a form of therapy. This art that relaxes the mind helps to reduce stress and increase creativity. We have prepared a detailed article about Origami for you.

What is Origami?

Origami is the art of folding paper. In Japanese, oru (folding) means kami (paper). The combination of these words creates art, which means folded paper. The history of this art, whose name comes from Japan, is based on China. Origami is an art made with paper and completed without the use of scissors and glue. It is a fun and effective art.

Origami History

Origami is known as Japanese art because it comes from a Japanese name, but the history of origami goes back to China. It is claimed that this art was created by the Chinese. Paper was first invented and produced by the Chinese. The Chinese invented paper in 250 BC.

At that time, the Chinese, who generally used paper in religious ceremonies and for gift wrapping, started using it in various areas with the drop in price. It was taught in schools in the 1900s. The art of paper folding has been shown to improve children’s mathematical intelligence. People have discovered their talents with this branch of art.

It is said that the reason for adopting a Japanese name is that it was taught by Buddhist monks who went to this country. It was developed by the Japanese and got its name. After World War II, origami continued to develop and develop artistically. This branch of art has managed to capture the attention of people of all ages and is still interesting today.

The importance of origami in Japanese culture

The crane is of great importance in Japanese culture. The crane made as origami has the same importance. In Japanese culture, it is believed that whoever makes 1000 cranes has a healthy and long life.

The reason why the crane is popular is the hopeful world of a little girl. During World War II, atomic bombs were dropped on Hiroshima. Because of this situation, an 11-year-old girl developed Leukemia. The little girl starts making cranes with the art of origami hoping that the cranes will heal her, but the little girl dies after completing the 644th crane.

In memory of the little girl, on August 6, when the atomic bomb was dropped, children in Japan and various countries of the world are making cranes under the name of universal peace. These cranes made by children are sent to the memorial of the deceased little girl Sadako Sasaki in Hiroshima.

How do you make origami?

Origami creates beautiful works of art using paper and folding technique. One of the main features of this art is that surprisingly complex shapes can be created using only paper. But how do you make origami? In the section below, we shared with you the tricks of making origami.

Correct choice of paper

Choosing the right paper is important for a good origami experience. Predominantly thin and foldable papers are the ones used in origami art. In general, specially produced papers are preferred, such as origami paper or washi paper.

Learn basic folding techniques

It is important to learn basic origami making techniques. The two basic techniques are “V” folding and “tops” folding. By practicing these techniques, you can make many different origami shapes.

Choose a good template

Initially, it is recommended to choose a simple origami template. For more complex models it is important to gain experience. The internet, books, and origami magazines offer templates at various levels.

Proceed step by step

Proceed step by step according to your chosen origami template and fold the paper correctly. By following each step correctly, you will ultimately ensure that you get a shape that meets your expectations.

Be patient

Making origami is a matter of patience. If you make mistakes, you can go back to that step and start over. Over time, your level of patience and mastery required to create origami will increase.

Use your creativity

Origami is not just the art of making shapes according to certain templates. You can also design different origami shapes with your own creativity.

The effect of origami art on children

The art of origami was used to develop children’s mathematical intelligence in the early years and success was achieved. Therefore, you can get your kids to practice this art by turning it into a hobby. Of course, origami is primarily a game for children. You can help your kids learn the art of origami by making this game fun.

• The shapes that the child will make help develop his aesthetic sense.
• It helps develop learning and observation skills.
• It teaches children to observe, communicate and cooperate.
• Artistic activities ensure socialization of children.
• While making origami, they express their own thoughts on paper. They determine the shape, color and size of the paper. This allows children to reflect their feelings and thoughts.
• While creating origami art, hands, eyes, and brain work. This is very important for children. This situation provides children with psychomotor development gains. It provides great benefits in hand and arm muscle development, brain and spinal cord development, and hand and eye coordination.
• Origami also benefits children’s language development. Children interested in origami can be helped with language development by talking in a question and answer format.
• After the early years of learning, origami has been used in the development of children’s mathematical intelligence and has been successful. By using the art of origami, you can make your kids love math by teaching it in a fun and enjoyable way. Using geometric shapes, you can teach your kids math concepts and terms. You can help him recognize, see and realize the differences by having geometric shapes made.

What are the Origami Types?

The art of origami consisted of figures obtained by first folding paper. Various models are created by creating animal and object figures, but this art has been further developed and diversified. Today, many different types of origami have emerged.

Classic origami

It is usually made by folding a single piece of paper. With the classic origami type, there is no cut or paste process. This type, which is made by folding a single paper, does not use any other process.

Modular Origami

Modular origami is known as piece origami. It is made from a single piece of paper, as in classic origami, but it is different from classic origami. Modular origami is made in 3D. It is formed by combining geometric shapes similarly created by making a geometric shape. Each figure can be made in modular origami type. There is no specific limit on the number of digits used. Any number of digits can be used.

Wet Origami

Wet origami is different. To make this type, it is necessary to wet the paper. This method makes it easier to fold the paper. Wet origami creates more realistic models. There is also a cut and paste process in this application.

Modern origami

Modern origami differs from other types. The people who practice the art of origami further developed this situation and created a different type by using different products. He used different products to interpret geometric shapes differently with different models. They made different models with water, scissors, glue and many other products. There are 4 different types of modern origami. These are pop-up origami, architectural origami, book art origami, and krigami.

1.Pop up origami

Cut, paint and paste operations are done in pop-up origami type. This variant of origami is the freest. It is often used in fairy tale books. It is made to enliven the stories in children’s memory.

2.Architectural origami

Architectural origami consists of 3D figures. Cutting, painting and gluing operations are performed in this application.

3. Book art origami

Book art origami is a type found in 2009. Designed by Isaac G. Salazar. It is made to use old and unused books for decorative purposes. In this application, 3D images are created by writing symbols and words.

4. Kirigami

Kirigami is called the art of paper cutting. The paper is folded and cut. This is how krigami is practiced. In this variety, cutting is in the foreground. It folds less and cuts more.

Where is origami used?

The art of origami is mostly made for hobby purposes. This art, which is made as a hobby, is used in various fields. It is mainly used for decorative purposes. By making different figures, you can give them as gifts to your loved ones and use them as decoration. At the same time, you can make different toys for your children by making these handmade figures.

How to choose origami paper?

Choosing the right paper is important for a good origami experience. Predominantly thin and foldable papers are the ones used in origami art. In general, specially produced papers are preferred, such as origami paper or washi paper.

Is it difficult to make origami?

Origami is quite easy if the right techniques and templates are used. There are many different templates and models you can create. If you want, you can start with any template and build more complex templates as you gain experience.

What is the origin of origami?

Origami originated in Japan. It was first used in the packaging of objects given as gifts during various ceremonies in the 17th century.

Do you need special materials to make origami?

Although no special material is needed to make origami, it is better to use thin and foldable paper. Specially produced paper such as origami paper or washi paper can be used.

Why is making origami important?

Making origami is both a fun and creative activity. Also, making origami can help you improve your dexterity, increase your attention and relax your mind.

Is origami suitable for children?

Yes, origami is an activity suitable for children. Simple templates and step-by-step guides can help kids make origami and improve their crafts.