What is the history behind the invention of origami?

Origami is the traditional Japanese art of folding paper into decorative shapes and figures. Origami has been around since the 17th century, but the exact origins are unknown. Some believe it originated in China and was brought to Japan by Buddhist monks, while others believe it was an independently developed art form in Japan.

The term “origami” was first used in the 1800s, but the art form itself was likely around much earlier. In the 17th century, during the Edo period, origami was used to make decorations for special occasions such as weddings, births, and festivals. During this time, origami was mainly used to make religious objects such as cranes and other animals.

In the 19th century, origami began to become more popular among the general public. Books about origami were published, and it was becoming more widely practiced. During this period, origami was mainly used to make decorative objects such as animals and flowers.

In the 20th century, origami began to become more complex. In the 1950s, Akira Yoshizawa, an origami master, developed a new style of origami called “wet folding” which allowed for more complex shapes. This was the beginning of modern origami, and since then, origami has become a popular art form around the world.

Today, origami is used for a variety of purposes. It is still used to make decorations, but it is also used in engineering, architecture, and even medicine. Origami has become a popular hobby and is practiced by people of all ages around the world.