Crane tattoo. The many faces of the Japanese crane Paper crane symbol

Topic: “Flying crane of happiness.”

tasks: introduce children to the history of the origin of the international symbol of origami - the Japanese crane.

Arouse interest in making paper cranes. Get children interested in teamwork.

Develop logical thinking and fine motor skills of the hands.

Prepared: primary school teacher Sivirchukova I.M.

Student 1:

The international symbol of origami is the Japanese paper crane. Any experienced origamist knows its diagram by heart and can easily fold this figure from memory.

Student 2:

The crane is a symbol of happiness and good luck in Japan. This figurine was folded in ancient times. Several ancient sources describe the making of a paper figurine of a crane (Tsuru). The gift of a paper crane was sacred and brought happiness and longevity to the recipient. In 1797, a book appeared in China called “Sembatsuru Orikata” - folding of a thousand cranes. The book described various methods of making cranes from a paper square and compositions with them.

Student 3:

There is also one sad legend story associated with the paper crane, which gave it additional meaning and turned it into a sacred bird of the world.

Student 4:

During World War II, there lived a little girl named Sadako Sasaki in Hiroshima. She was born in 1943 and was just a baby when her father and mother were killed in the bombing of Hiroshima. Sadako herself survived, but suffered from radiation sickness. The girl fought the disease as best she could, but she got worse every year. While lying in the hospital, Sadako folded paper cranes. She believed that if she folded a thousand cranes, her wish would come true. It became more and more difficult to work on the cranes, and, realizing that she would never recover, Sadako began to dream of peace for all the people of the Earth, so that there would be no more wars and innocent people would not die. But she did not have time to make a thousand cranes. After making 644 cranes, Sadako died of illness in hospital on October 25, 1955. Having learned about this, children from all countries began to send things they had made to Hiroshima.origami– paper cranes in the hope that Sadako’s dream will come true. A monument to Sadako was erected in Japan, and children still send paper cranes to the Peace Museum in Hiroshima as a symbol of peace and memory.

Student 5:

The most important and famous legend about this Japanese art is directly related to the most significant and important origami figure - the paper crane. In Eastern countries, the crane is considered a symbol of love, faith and hope. Since ancient times, people have believed that if you make a thousand of these figurines, and then give them all away to your loved ones and acquaintances, your most cherished wish will come true.

Student 6:

The legend itself goes something like this. Once upon a time on earth there lived a very poor master who devoted his entire life to origami and was amazingly kind to everyone and everything that surrounded him. He spent whole days folding various figures from sheets of paper, and then distributed them to the children. But one day he met a wandering monk on the road and gave him a figurine of a crane. The monk was touched. Then he said: “Stack your figures further. The main thing is your belief in their importance. Even if there is war around, stay true to your art, and it will thank you by making you rich and famous.”

Student 7:

Soon, as the monk prophesied, the war began. The young men went off to fight, but there was no end in sight to this horror. Only the poor master stubbornly continued to waste paper on his figures. Angry, the people decided to burn down his workshop. But when they found themselves in it, they were amazed at the variety and splendor of the figures. Then the master gave everyone a figurine according to their liking and taste. In front of the guests, the master rolled a crane out of a leaf, which immediately flapped its wings and flew away - he was a messenger.

Student 8:

According to another legend, origami figures contain part of the soul of the person who made them. It is believed that by folding the figures, the master puts a piece of himself into them. They say that one day they thanked a rich man by giving him a large origami ball. But he found no use for it at home and gave it to his old mother, who lived separately. One day her son fell ill, but the evil daughter-in-law did not even let the old mother enter the door. Then he died. When they came to the mother to tell this sad news, she already knew everything, because at the moment of her son’s death, the ball he had given fell and crumbled into pieces.

Student 9:

You should only create origami in a good mood. The Japanese believe that all items made in a bad mood should be burned. You should never give such figurines to friends, so that they are not attacked by any illness. And if the master’s gift at some point is damaged, torn or thrown away, then the master himself will fall ill. It is for this reason that origamists ask to keep their gift as a talisman and rarely give their products to strangers.

Student 10:

At the same time, people believe in the success and luck that origami talismans bring. Therefore, they are often used as symbols. For example, the well-known icon of the Mitsubishi automobile company is nothing more than an origami figurine. Once you believe in the good power of the figurine, it immediately becomes almost a magical talisman for good luck. Another very interesting legend tells about this.

Student 11:

One rich girl did not want to accept the advances of a poor young man. And every day he put a bouquet of flowers on her windowsill. But then winter came. There were no more fresh flowers to be found. Then he started making them out of paper, putting all his love into them. Usually the maid would throw out the flowers from the windowsill, but one day she forgot to do so. And the girl nevertheless picked up a beautiful paper daffodil, which exuded a real, living aroma. The girl put the flower in the box and the next day discovered that the smell really came from the paper flower. Then she was touched, realized how strong the love of the poor young man was and accepted his advances.

Student 12: Origami figures really have a special energy. One parapsychologist decided to measure the bioenergy of origami products. He was amazed when he discovered that in rooms where origami is used as decoration, the positive energy is many times greater than that in ordinary rooms. Therefore, they are even trying to use origami figures for healing.

Origami diagram “Crane”

Chapter: Origami schemes

Perhaps the “Crane” is the most classic form of origami. Using the diagram below, you can easily fold this beautiful bird.
Origami diagram “Crane”:

Procedure:
1. We begin to fold the crane withbasic shape Square
2. We move the layers of paper apart on the sides and make three folds: we bend and unbend the right and left edges, after which we bend and unbend the top of the figure. Turn over and repeat the same with the other side;
3. Carefully lift the top layer of the diamond and bend it upward. We do this by pressing on the sides.
4. Turn the figure over and repeat the same with the other side;
5. Spread the layers of paper apart on the sides and fold the sides of the front layer of the figure towards the center;
6. Turn the figure over to the other side and do the same as in the previous point;
7. Now we spread the layers of paper along the sides of the figure and wrap the sharp lower ends up. Press on the sides, align the figure and bend to the sides, you guessed it, the nose and tail of the crane;
8. We bend the crane’s nose, spread its wings and the work is ready.

(Everyone is doing the work)

Teacher: Now let's attach our cranes to the poster. May every crane bring happiness, joy, love and mutual understanding to all people on our planet.

(All those present attach their works to a common poster)

Look how beautiful the work turned out, because each of us made the crane with love.

And now I want to suggest making another crane for yourself or for your loved one as a keepsake. After all, now we know what the origami symbol of the Japanese crane means.

(Work done independently)

Thanks to all. This concludes our lesson. I think that looking at the crane, you will remember our activity and will strive to do only good to others.


The culture of the East is so original and multifaceted that it could not help but be reflected in the art of body painting. Origami tattoos are rare, so the owner of such a design is an extraordinary and deep person. What else can images of paper figures tell about and what can be said about the symbolic meaning of the images?

How the art of origami originated

Origami means "folded paper" in Japanese and is an ancient form of decorative art. Its essence is to fold the figure using one sheet of paper, without holding it together with glue. Japan is considered the birthplace of origami, although in fact the ancestors are the Chinese. In the Land of the Rising Sun, samurai gave each other crafts as a sign of strong friendship. Here they also came up with special symbols that were used in the development of circuits.

Paper was first invented in China, and the art became popular among the nobility and the upper echelons of society. Origami had religious roots and was often used in rituals. In Europe, there were similar techniques for folding paper figures, but the diagrams were not presented in as much detail as in the East.

Popular tattoo images

An origami-style tattoo in the modern art of body painting means inner harmony, the beauty of nature and a philosophical attitude towards life. It is suitable for both men and the fair sex, who are characterized by imagination and perseverance. Similar tattoos can often be seen among fans of Eastern culture.

The meaning of an origami tattoo depends on the image of a particular figure that carries a certain symbolic meaning. Let's take a closer look at the most common images.

  • A crane tattoo symbolizes good health, goodness and happiness. This is one of the brightest and most revered images of Japanese mythology. According to legend, the crane took the form of a nomadic monk and helped people.
  • An origami tattoo with a swan figurine is associated with immortality and the infinity of life. Like the crane, the bird helped the human soul leave the earthly world after death.
  • Two butterflies represent family life, and one is considered a negative image, meaning excessive fussiness.
  • The fox symbolizes power, mystical knowledge and strength.
  • The rabbit figurine is a dual image. On the one hand, it means luck and good fortune, and on the other, debauchery and indecent behavior.

Execution technique

The “paper” style in body painting is organically combined with other styles. For example, origami tattoo designs look original in linework style. They are distinguished by brevity, clear geometric lines, and the predominance of one color. It is better to make such designs in a small size, then they will look beautiful on the wrist, arm or stomach.

Tattoos in the watercolor style attract with their airiness and tenderness, and the composition resembles a drawing with watercolors. A distinctive feature of the technique is the predominance of pastel colors and blurred contours. Watercolor is mainly preferred by girls, since the drawing emphasizes their femininity.

In this master class I will show you how to make a crane using the origami technique with your own hands with step-by-step photographs. It's no secret that in order to master a new creative skill, you need to start with the basics and create simple models. A crane is ideal for this. You can easily make it and make it a new decorative element.

Please note that children can also create such a model, since for this it is only important to carefully and carefully make the necessary folds. And in order not to confuse anything, you need to strictly follow the diagram and recommendations presented below, and everything will definitely work out for you!

How to make a crane using origami technique

For a long time, people have associated the crane with love, happiness and health. This symbol was created from a variety of materials, and paper was not in last place among them. The origami technique was also often used to create cranes.

Currently, there are a huge variety of folding schemes for this model, which, on the one hand, speaks of its popularity, and on the other, the difficulty of choosing a really good and beautiful option. Our article will help you make the right choice and create your own symbol of happiness. see here.

01. Classic version

Step-by-step creation of such a crane using the origami technique is given in this master class.

Take a square sheet.

Fold it as shown in the photo.

Then fold the edges.

Make a triangle.

And fold it again.

Then fold one corner of the triangle, and then the other.

Fold the edges of the resulting diamond. Then turn the shape out as shown in the image.

Do the same on the other side.

Fold the edges in on both sides again.

Fold over the edges. This is the head and tail of a crane.

Make a beak.

Spread your wings. The origami crane is ready!

Such products can be used not only when working with children, but also as room decoration, for example, for a wedding or for a photo shoot.

02. Crane for luck

Using the origami technique, you can make a huge number of models of animals and birds. Over time, their varieties are only becoming more numerous, but the most common among them was and is the crane model. I present another option - how to make a paper crane.

To make it, one square sheet of paper is enough.

First, fold the sheet in two transverse directions.

After this, we make diagonal folds on the sheet, but in a different direction.

Using the existing folds, we fold the sheet in the form of a double square (the top of the fold of the workpiece is directed upward).

We bend the sides of the top layer of the resulting square.

Now they need to be straightened.

And fold it into an elongated diamond shape.

Turn over and repeat the same thing. The result was a blank that is called “Bird”.

Let's turn the left part of its top layer to the right.

The right half of the bottom layer needs to be turned to the left. Now the preparation of our crane has changed a little. The upper part will make the head and tail, and the lower part will make the wings.

Let's start by creating one wing. To do this, bend the lower triangle upward.

Then we fold down, aligning the edges with the horizontal line.

Make another upward fold.

Fold down again.

It remains to make 2 more folds to form the wing.

One wing of our origami crane is ready.

On the other side, using the same folds, we make another wing.

This is what our bird should look like from above at this stage.

In the front part we will form the head, making an internal fold.

Our origami crane is ready.

03. Origami crane with spread wings

The art of origami originated in Japan, as it is believed, back when paper was created. Later it became especially valued by Japanese aristocrats. After all, through these paper figures one could convey various wishes and show one’s respect to the recipient.

As for our country, the art of origami is of particular interest to children. They are completely devoted to the process of creating a new toy. Handmade paper birds and flowers probably sparkled a sparkle in your eyes as a child. To create this crane you only need a square sheet of paper.

To begin, fold the sheet along two diagonals.

Then we make transverse folds, but in a different direction.

Using the resulting folds, we fold the sheet in the form of a double square, its open sides facing down.

At the top layer of the workpiece we bend the side corners to the middle line. From this part we will later form the neck and head of the crane.

Fold the top corner down.

Let's straighten the folded figure.

Now you need to give it the shape of an elongated rhombus.

Let's turn the workpiece over to the other side and rotate it a little.

Let's start forming the crane's wings. To do this, we make folds on the sides on the right side. As a result, we got 2 folds.

Now each of them needs to be straightened. Let's start from the bottom.

Straightening it, we change the outer fold to the inner one. As a result, from one fold we get two.

We do the same with the fold on the other side. At this stage we have 4 folds (2 on each side).

Now you need to make two again from each fold. To do this, we fold each of them towards each other.

After this, we straighten the folds (change the outer ones to the inner ones) and form new folds.

We repeat the same with another fold - lay them out and make counter folds.

As a result, we should have 4 folds on each side.

This is what the crane blank looks like at this stage.

Bend the protruding corner to the right.

Let's turn the crane blank over to the other side.

On the left side we will make a fold at a right angle, but not all the way (smooth the fold only to the level of the horizontal line).

Now let's make a similar fold in the upper part. This is how we outlined the folds necessary to form the neck of the crane.

Let's give our bird's blank the following look. To do this, the right side needs to be folded lengthwise, while the left side needs to be positioned vertically.

On a plane, the future crane looks like this.

Bend the upper part on the left side at a right angle.

At this point we will make an internal fold.

All that remains is to form the head of our bird. To do this, bend the tip.

We make folds inward, we get the head of a bird.

Our crane is ready.

Classic Japanese version

Origami paper crane with legs

Cranes in Japanese mythology

In Japan, this graceful bird is a symbol of long life and hope. It is interesting that in ancient times the Japanese made such figures, giving them certain meanings and emotional overtones. Later, this art began to spread among other countries, gaining worldwide fame and admiration.

As can be seen from the story, in order to make a symbol of happiness with your own hands, you do not necessarily need to be born and raised in Japan. Anyone can understand and reproduce the scheme for its creation. A distinctive element of the paper crane is its thin and long neck.

In Japan, there is a belief that whoever folds a thousand paper cranes will certainly have his or her cherished wish come true or that person will be cured of all ailments. Over time, this bird also began to symbolize peace.

Many people are familiar with the song “The Japanese Crane” about the amazing events that happened during the Second World War. This song is about a girl, Sadako Sasaki, who suffered radiation sickness as a result of the atomic bomb explosion in Hiroshima. She believed that a thousand folded paper cranes would help her heal.

However, she managed to make only 643 origami models; she died after only reaching the age of 14. The remaining 357 cranes were collected by her friends.

Cinematography also did not leave this sad story aside. The Soviet film “Hello, Children” introduced the viewer to her. After these events, the paper crane became a symbol of non-acceptance of the use of nuclear weapons. There is even a monument to Sadako Sasaki in Japan, and her story still excites people from all over the world.

Whatever value and significance the crane might have as a symbol of health and longevity, at present it itself is in dire need of help. The Japanese are making great efforts to prevent the extinction of this bird, so that it will continue to instill in people hope for a better future, happiness and peace.

How to fold a paper crane using the origami technique, master class.

The international symbol of origami is the Japanese paper crane. Any experienced origamist knows its diagram by heart and can easily fold this figure from memory.

The crane is a symbol of happiness and good luck in Japan. This figurine was folded in ancient times. Several ancient sources describe the making of a paper figurine of a crane (Tsuru). The gift of a paper crane was sacred and brought happiness and longevity to the recipient. In 1797, a book appeared in China called “Sembatsuru Orikata” - folding a thousand cranes. The book described various methods of making cranes from a paper square and compositions with them.

There is also one sad legend story associated with the paper crane, which gave it additional meaning and turned it into a sacred bird of the world.

During World War II, there lived a little girl named Sadako Sasaki in Hiroshima. She was born in 1943 and was just a baby when her father and mother were killed in the bombing of Hiroshima. Sadako herself survived, but suffered from radiation sickness. The girl fought the disease as best she could, but she got worse every year.

While lying in the hospital, Sadako folded paper cranes. She believed that if she folded a thousand cranes, her wish would come true. It became more and more difficult to work on the cranes, and, realizing that she would never recover, Sadako began to dream of peace for all the people of the Earth, so that there would be no more wars and innocent people would not die. But she did not have time to make a thousand cranes.

After making 644 cranes, Sadako died of illness in hospital on October 25, 1955. Having learned about this, children from all countries began to send origami paper cranes they had made to Hiroshima in the hope that Sadako’s dream would come true. A monument to Sadako was erected in Japan, and children still send paper cranes to the Peace Museum in Hiroshima as a symbol of peace and memory.

Making a thousand paper cranes is quite difficult. But making one figurine will not be difficult.

So, the diagram for folding a paper crane:

1. Fold a piece of paper in half diagonally

2. Fold in half again

3. Open and flatten the pocket

4-5. Turn the resulting figure over, bend the triangle

6. Open and flatten the second pocket as in step 3.

7. Fold the paper on both sides

8. Bend the triangle down, mark a line and return it to its original position

9. Bend down the side triangles

10. Pull up one layer of paper, bending the figure along the outlined lines

11-12. Turn the figure over and repeat steps 7-10

13-14. Bend the bottom triangle and return it to its original position

15. Bend the triangle inward along the marked line

16. Bend the second triangle

A friend told me... yes, everyone has read this legend, but still...

In Japan, paper cranes are considered a symbol of good luck and longevity.

There is a tradition based on a beautiful legend: “If you fold a thousand paper cranes with love and care, give them to those around you, and receive a thousand smiles in return, all your wishes will come true.”

Japanese girl Sadako Sasaki (January 7, 1943 - October 25, 1955), irradiated during the atomic bombing of Hiroshima on August 6, 1945. Her house was located a mile from the explosion, yet outwardly she continued to grow up as a healthy child. Signs of the disease appeared in November 1954, on February 18, 1955 he was diagnosed with leukemia, and on February 21 he was admitted to the hospital. According to doctors' forecasts, she had no more than a year to live. On August 3, 1955, her best friend Chizuko Hamamoto brought her a piece of golden paper and folded it into a crane, recalling the Japanese belief that a person who folds a thousand paper cranes will have his wish come true.

The legend influenced Sadako, and she began to fold cranes from any pieces of paper that fell into her hands. According to the legend from the book “Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes”, she managed to make only 644 cranes. Her friends finished their work and Sadako was buried along with a thousand paper cranes.

A monument was built in memory of Sadako and all the other children who died from the atomic bombing. Young people from all over Japan raised funds for this project, and in 1958 a statue depicting Sadako holding a paper crane was erected in the Peace Park in Hiroshima. On the pedestal of the statue is written: “This is our cry. This is our prayer. World peace". The little courageous girl became a symbol of rejection of nuclear war, a symbol of protest against war.

In 1990, a monument to Sadako was erected in Peace Park in Seattle (USA), in 1995 - a Children's Peace Statue in Santa Fe (USA, New Mexico - the bomb dropped on Hiroshima was made in this state; the statue in Santa Fe - "sister" of the Hiroshima Children's Memorial), in the same year the Sadako Peace Garden was opened in Santa Barbara with a stone engraved with a crane. In 2000, a monument to a golden paper crane was erected near Sadako's school in Hiroshima.

It is believed that 10 thousand paper cranes will save one life.

Cranes are a symbol of purity, happiness, honesty, and readiness for selfless help. The Japanese called cranes “people in feathers,” and called the bird “the Honorable Mr. Crane.” The Japanese crane is the hero of many fairy tales and legends. For the Japanese, the crane symbolizes longevity and prosperity. Strangely united into one hieroglyph with the tsurukame turtle, the crane became a wish for long life. The crane also symbolizes hope. It is believed that if you make a thousand sembazuru paper cranes, your wishes will come true and even a serious illness will recede.

Tsuru werewolf cranes in Japanese mythology, which quite rarely turn into people, in human form are very kind, sweet, beautiful creatures with an all-understanding look. They often take the form of wandering monks and travel in search of those in need of their help. They hate violence.

Everywhere in Japan there is a legend about a wounded crane that turned into a beautiful girl who married the young man who saved her. The girl turned out to be an excellent weaver. In the form of a crane, she wove amazing fabrics from her feathers, closing herself off from everyone in the room. When her husband spied on her, she became a bird again and flew away.

It is believed that if cranes turn into people, they often take the form of wandering monks and travel in search of those who need their help.



for those who are too lazy to look. This is how they are assembled: