Folding with Heart: The Sacred Art of Paper in Japan's Heian Period
In the quiet and elegant Heian period (794–1185) of Japan, paper was very special. It wasn’t something people used every day, like we do today, but a rare and precious commodity. It was primarily used by the aristocracy, Buddhist clergy, and the government. The people at the time didn’t necessarily fold paper for fun; they folded it in a way that was full of meaning and respect.
The Importance of Paper in Early Japan
Paper was made by hand from the mulberry tree (kōzo), and it took a lot of time and care to create. Because it was so precious, people didn’t waste it.
In Shinto ceremonies, priests used paper as a tool to interact with the gods. They would cut and fold paper into symbolic shapes, such as the zigzag strips called shide that are attached to wands or ropes to signify purity and the presence of the divine. These were not just decorations; they were essential ritual implements. Later, as the culture of gift-giving became more elaborate, folded paper decorations became a formal part of wrapping presents.
Folding paper was seen as a spiritual act, a way to express gratitude, humility, and sincerity. It wasn’t just about making a shape—it was about sending your thoughts and feelings through the purity of the paper to the world around them. In this way, each careful fold became like a small prayer or wish.
Folding as a Form of Focus
Folding paper was not just a physical action; it was also a kind of contemplation. The process of folding a single sheet of paper carefully and slowly helped people focus their minds. Every fold was done with attention, and the rhythm of folding was a way to center oneself and create a peaceful connection between the person and the paper.
The Rise of Origami and Popular Folding
It wasn't until much later, primarily during the Edo period (1603–1868), that paper became common enough to be used outside of religious or government rituals. This accessibility allowed the practice of folding to develop into a true art form and pastime. This is the era when folding for entertainment and decoration began to flourish, giving rise to the complex, identifiable models we now associate with origami (折り紙).
Even though paper folding changed from its sacred, ritualistic beginnings to a popular secular art, the idea of folding with care and respect—known as kata (form) and kokoro (heart)—stayed the same.
Origami Today: The Spirit of Folding
Today, origami is enjoyed by people all over the world. The spirit of the old tradition still exists: when people fold, they are often thinking about something important, like making a wish or expressing a feeling. For example, folding 1,000 paper cranes (a tradition called senbazuru) is done to send a prayer for peace or health.
Even in modern times, folding paper can still be a way to express one's inner thoughts, just as the ceremonial folds did in the Heian period. Each fold continues to carry a message, a prayer, or an intention.
In early Japan, folding paper was much more than just an art. It was a way to connect with the divine, to show respect, and to express deep feelings. Though the art evolved into modern origami, the core idea remains the same: folding paper with care and intention can still carry a piece of the heart.