1000 Paper Cranes
Saeger's Gift to Eddy
The Legend of the Cranes
Throughout all of Asia, the crane has been a symbol of happiness and eternal youth. In Japanese, Chinese, and Korean tradition, cranes stand for good fortune and longevity because of their fabled life span of a thousand years. The Japanese refer to the crane as “the bird of happiness;” the Chinese as “heavenly crane” believing they were symbols of wisdom. The powerful wings of the crane were believed to be able to convey souls up to paradise and to carry people to higher levels of spiritual enlightenment. Over time, the crane has also evolved as a favorite subject of the tradition of paper folding – origami. It is said that a thousand folded cranes, one for each year of its life, makes a wish come true.
Today this practice of folding 1,000 cranes represents a form of healing and hope during challenging times. The cranes also serve as a gesture of support and healing. Traditionally, flocks of 1,000 cranes are offered at shrines or temples with prayer, based on the belief that the effort to fold such a large number will surely be rewarded. Chains are often given to someone suffering from illness, as a prayer for their recovery, as a wish for happiness, and as an expression of sympathy and peace. A prayer often spoken over time by mothers seeking the protection of cranes has been: “O flock of heavenly cranes, cover my child with your wings.”
Crane Chain
So many colors!
Hanging!
Our Wish for Eddy
Eddy,
These paper cranes have been in the works for months. Saeger students, teachers, parents, community members, and principals all came together to make folding 1,000 paper cranes a reality. We were inspired by your love of origami and the meaning behind the legend of the paper cranes- the hope of being granted a wish for a long life and good health.
We sold over 1,000 cranes to raise money for the “Eddy Project”. You were on our minds with the folding of each crane. Know that these little cranes are all throughout the community, serving as a reminder of our hopes and prayers for you. After the sales, we folded 1,000 more cranes so you can have a visual reminder of how much Saeger cares for you. You will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers as your recovery progresses. May these cranes brighten your days and bring you the protection of a wish come true.
In love and support,
Saeger Middle School