The very first wedding related project I took on, truly the VERY FIRST, was to begin folding 1,001 cranes. I got the idea in my head and I ran with it. From the very beginning I knew they would hang with many pretty colors.
It's a Japanese Hawaii tradition to fold cranes for a wedding. Origami cranes symbolize dedication and hope. Tradition holds that by folding 1,001 cranes, you learn persistence, patience and determination - all ideals necessary for a successful marriage.
They also say the bride should fold 1,000 cranes and the groom will fold 1. I said "pshaw!" But what happened? I taught Bryan hold to fold one crane, and he never did another one.
I'm a sucker for good symbolism and meaning. Mostly, I liked something constant I could focus on. Even though it was a regimented process, it was also a creative release for me. On those days when nothing went right, I could fold a few cranes and see my pile grow and grow.
I was incredibly proud of the way they looked at the wedding. They created a bright and cheery (albeit a bit busy) backdrop for photos.
And they were appreciated by many.
They currently hang on a wall in our apartment. Bryan thinks I'm crazy but I plan to hold onto them until they disintegrate with age. Hopefully by that time I won't need a reminder to maintain patience and persistence.
2 comments:
I like this posting.......good memories!
That is gorgeous! I always wondered the story of the cranes. Thanks for sharing. Great dedication and so special. I would hang on to those forever.
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