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| Sunday, 1 May 2005 |
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Junior Observer |  |
| News Business Features Editorial
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The art of paper folding
Do you remember those paper folding lessons during primary school? Most students prefer making beautiful flowers, puppets, models of animals and birds to learning other subjects. Isn't it so? Do you know that the art of paper folding is considered as a part of Japanese culture? Origami is the Japanese art of paper folding. The name is derived from "Ori", the Japanese word for folding and "kami", the word for paper. This art had its roots in China in the first or second century and spread to Japan sometime during the sixth century. Initially, there was very little paper available, so only the rich could afford to do paper folding. However, many years later, paper became less expensive and easier paper making methods were developed. Origami became a popular art for everyone, no matter whether they were rich or poor. However, the Japanese have always been very careful not to waste anything. They have saved even the tiniest scraps of paper and used them for folding origami models. Origami has long been appreciated as a beautiful form of art not only in Japan, but all over the world. Folding is only a small part of this fascinating art. Origami gives the folder the opportunity to make creative designs and figures. In recent years, people have found many ways to use origami in other areas. For example, teachers have discovered that it is a wonderful teaching tool with many educational benefits. Meanwhile, paper folding is being used in physical therapy, mental health programmes, and as a source of entertainment and enjoyment. Origami is becoming a very important activity that has many useful benefits. Schools have begun to realise the educational value of origami. It is a great hands-on activity and a wonderful resource that teaches students how to follow directions, encourages cooperation among students, improves motor skills, and helps develop multi-cultural awareness. Maths teachers have found that they can use origami to develop maths lessons in fractions, and in problem solving. Language and Art teachers have found that they can use origami to introduce units in literature, poetry, and creative writing. Science and social studies teachers use origami to introduce lessons. As you can see, origami has become a very useful teaching tool in all areas of education. The interest in origami continues to increase, just as the ancient Japanese found useful purposes for their origami models, so do we today. If you are also interested in learning this amazing form of art, there are several organisations which can help you. One such organisation is the Origami Folders Association of Sri Lanka. Joining such an organization is a great way to meet new people who share your love of origami. - Chamitha Kuruppu ********** May Day of yesteryear
The customs that were observed on this day are believed to date back to an old Roman holiday celebrating the blossoming of flowers. One much-loved custom, especially among children, was to visit their friends' houses early in the morning or at twilight, without being seen, and leave little hand-made paper baskets filled with spring flowers on their doorsteps or hanging on the doorknobs. These were known as May baskets. Romans of olden days observed a similar custom of offering flowers at the statues of Flora, the goddess of flowers. Schools also celebrated May Day and selected a pretty girl as the Queen of May to rule over the festival. Maypole dancing, which you may not be very familiar with, was a favourite custom. This was believed to be a German custom, which originated during the 16th century. A long pole (upto 40 metres high), known as a maypole, was decorated with flowers and ribbons and stood upright on the lawn. Both adults and children would then dance around this pole, holding onto the ribbons, until a pretty and colourful pattern is formed around the pole. Another tradition was to roll hoops across the lawn and find out whose hoop had rolled out the farthest. In England, during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, people would go into the forest early in the morning on May Day and bring flowers and tree branches. They would then set up a maypole in the town and decorate it with the flowers and branches and dance around it. This custom was started in America in 1660 by colonists at Merrymount at Massachusetts. The Puritan settlers who didn't like fun and gaiety frowned on this custom. They hacked the pole to pieces to remind the people to be serious instead of fun-loving and renamed the settlement as Mount Dagon, after an idol that was destroyed in Biblical times. These traditions have been forgotten over time, and May Day is now observed as a day for workers. |
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May Day is also known as Labour Day now and is celebrated by political
parties and trade unions all over the world. However, at one time, May Day
was a festival celebrated by kings and queens, the ordinary people and
children in European countries and America. 
