What is the origin of the origami art form?

Origami is the traditional Japanese art of paper folding. The word origami (折り紙) is derived from the combination of two Japanese words: "oru" (to fold) and "kami" (paper). It is believed that origami originated in Japan in the 17th century, although the exact origin is unknown.

The art form was likely developed as a way to pass the time during long hours of Buddhist meditation. Paper was a valuable commodity in Japan at the time, so origami was likely practiced with the utmost care and precision. By the 19th century, origami had become an art form in its own right, with books being published on the subject in Japan.

The popularity of origami spread to the rest of the world in the 1950s, largely due to the work of Akira Yoshizawa, considered to be the father of modern origami. Yoshizawa developed a system of symbols and diagrams that made it easier for others to learn origami, and his work helped to popularize the art form.

Today, origami is practiced all over the world, with practitioners creating increasingly complex and intricate designs. It is used as a form of creative expression, meditation, and even as a form of therapy. With its global popularity, origami has become a symbol of international cultural exchange.