If you could have one wish, what would it be? Or, perhaps you’re hoping for a happy and healthy 2021? The ancient legend of Senbazaru (“one thousand cranes”) goes that anyone who crafts a thousand origami paper cranes will be granted one wish from the gods. One of the most mystical creatures in Japanese folklore it’s said that the crane can live for a thousand years, so wishes are often for long life or wellbeing. There are a few variations to the tale, with some believing that you’ll be blessed with eternal happiness and good luck, or that the cranes all need to be made within a year and only by the person making the wish.
Since folding a thousand cranes isn’t as easy as you might think, in Japan you’ll often see people joining forces; a symbolic act of solidarity and goodwill. These days cranes are more popularly made in support of charitable causes, such as cancer awareness and wildlife conservation. However, the most well-known story is of Sadako Sasaki, who developed leukaemia at the age of 12 after being exposed to radiation from the atomic bombing of Hiroshima during World War II. Inspired by the legend she managed to make 644 cranes, before sadly passing away. After family and friends continued in her honour, Sasaki and Senbazaru have become a cherished symbol of peace worldwide.
Each crane is typically crafted from brightly-coloured paper and individually strung along string, making them a vivid hanging decoration too.
