The story of Sadako
Two-year-old Sadako Sasaki was living in Hiroshima when the atom bomb was dropped. Sadly, ten years later, she was diagnosed with leukemia, also known as "atom bomb disease."
There is a Japanese legend that says that if a sick person folds 1,000 paper cranes, the gods will make her well again. Sadako spent long hours in bed, folding those paper cranes, and never giving up that hope. One story says that when Sadako had folded six hundred and forty-four cranes, and they hung above her bed on strings, she passed away. Her classmates folded the rest.
Today there is a memorial in Hiroshima Peace Park dedicated to Sadako. Children come there and leave the paper cranes they make in her honor.
Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes is based on a true story.
There is a Japanese legend that says that if a sick person folds 1,000 paper cranes, the gods will make her well again. Sadako spent long hours in bed, folding those paper cranes, and never giving up that hope. One story says that when Sadako had folded six hundred and forty-four cranes, and they hung above her bed on strings, she passed away. Her classmates folded the rest.
Today there is a memorial in Hiroshima Peace Park dedicated to Sadako. Children come there and leave the paper cranes they make in her honor.
Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes is based on a true story.
Song: Sadako's Story |
Script: The full Story |
This short song together with various photos describes Sadako's story.
|
The book is available in the library, or you can read it online. Click the button to link to the full text.
|
Video: The Story of Sadako
There are several versions of the story of Sadako. Here is another version of the story.
Origami
Origami is the Japanese word for paper folding. ORI means to fold and KAMI means paper. Together, they form the word ORIGAMI. Origami is an art form that has been handed down from parent to child through many generations. Origami involves the creation of paper forms usually entirely by folding. Scissors and glue are generally not used.
Perhaps the most well known origami model is the crane. It has become the international symbol of peace. In Japan every child eventually learns to make the crane.
Perhaps the most well known origami model is the crane. It has become the international symbol of peace. In Japan every child eventually learns to make the crane.
Meaning of the Origami Crane
In Japan, the crane is a mystical creature and is believed to live for a thousand years. As a result, in the Japanese, Chinese and Korean culture, the crane represents good fortune and longevity. The Japanese refer to the crane as the “bird of happiness”. The wings of the crane were believed to carry souls up to paradise.
Traditionally, it was believed that if one folded 1000 origami cranes, one’s wish would come true.
It has also become a symbol of hope and healing during challenging times. As a result, it has become popular to fold 1000 cranes (in Japanese, called “senbazuru”). The cranes are strung together on strings – usually 25 strings of 40 cranes each – and given as gifts.
Traditionally, it was believed that if one folded 1000 origami cranes, one’s wish would come true.
It has also become a symbol of hope and healing during challenging times. As a result, it has become popular to fold 1000 cranes (in Japanese, called “senbazuru”). The cranes are strung together on strings – usually 25 strings of 40 cranes each – and given as gifts.
How to make an Origami Paper Crane
|
|
Only for Advanced Students!
(Enjoy the challenge. This one is VERY difficult)
Two more popular Origami
|
|