Origami cranes are often thought of to be a sign of good luck and well-wishing and Japanese legend has it that if you fold 1000 cranes your dearest wish will be granted by the gods. For hundreds of years they have been folded for weddings, a happy ending to a project, for the sickly, and even to show your dedication, support, and loyalty to a loved one.
The story most associated with the cranes is that of young Sadako, who developed leukemia due to the dropping of the atomic bomb on August 6th, 1945. Her friend came to visit her and told her of the legend of the 1000 cranes and Sadako began to fold, hoping to reach her goal of 1000, so that her wish might be granted.
Sadly, Sadako died before she could finish her cranes and her friends, family, and classmates folded the remaining 356. Because of her, the crane became a symbol of peace and each year thousands of cranes are sent to the Peace Dome memorial in Japan.