The word "Origami" comes from the two Japanese words "Ori" and "Kami". The word "Ori", meaning "folding" and "Kami", meaning "paper". The Japanese used this art form to literally fold paper and create art. Origami originally began in the seventeenth century in Japan, and not only until the nineteen hundreds did the art form become popular worldwide. With a lot of time, and a whole lot of patience, anyone can learn to fold paper into absolutely magnificent creations!

The first origami creations were made in Japan by Akira Yoshizawa. His first recorded design, was the crane.

Buddhist Munks carried paper to the Japanese from China, giving the Japanese the perfect material to begin a legendary art craze! Because paper was so expensive then, Origami was originally done, only by the highest level members of society. This is why the sacred art form, was typically used for religious ceremonies.