Paper roots

The invention of paper is credited to Ts'ai Lun of China in A.D. 105.

The Japanese also learned papermaking from China and through innovations they produced a kind of paper that is resilient, sturdy yet soft, not easily torn when handled. Washi, another unique kind of paper kindled many forms of cultural creativity mainly origami.

Paper is considered an expensive commodity in Japan since it was and still is used in many aspects of Japanese architecture and religion. Certain origami models were incorporated into Shinto ceremonies. In fact, the word for paper, kami, is a homonym for the word spirit or god. The designs associated with Shinto ceremonies have remained unchanged over the centuries. Folding a thousand paper cranes is believed to bring good tidings to the folder and his family.