“You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.”

~ Oscar Wilde

When I was about 10 years old, my mother took an origami course, the traditional Japanese art of paper folding. Of course, my brother and I would practice along with her for days on end.

During the weekends, a multitude of colourful paper squares would cover the dining table. As the day progressed, the table would fill up with birds, flowers, elephants, butterflies and other paper decorations. Some a bit deformed, others folded to perfection.

My favourite (and the only origami I still remember how to make today) is the crane bird.

According to an ancient Japanese legend, anyone who folds a thousand origami cranes will be granted a wish. The legend gained popularity by a young Japanese girl who got leukemia after having been exposed to nuclear radiation from the atomic bombing of Hiroshima in the Second World War. She hoped to fold enough to get her wish granted, but according to the story, she died before she reached one thousand.

When I saw this little video I was reminded of all the cranes and other creatures I folded as a child, the unknown and unfulfilled wish of the little Japanese girl, the cruelty of mankind as well as the endless creativity of human beings.

Click on the video image below to enjoy the clip made by a company that supports sustainability and environmental awareness.

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Editor: Catherine Monkman

Photo/Video: Author’s own and YouTube screenshot