In recent years, Japanese origami art has gained popularity and has become a fascination for people from all over the world. Created sites dedicated to origami techniques. Artists appear who create amazing figures, so complex that one can hardly believe in their paper origin.
What is origami?
Origami (translated from Japanese “ori” - folded, “gami” - paper) is the art of folding paper figures that originated in ancient China at about the same time that the first paper was invented. In the 17th century, origami actively spread in Japan and received the greatest development, and in the 20th century it became widely known in the world thanks to the book of Japanese origami master Akira Yizizawa. He also came up with most of the notation for sketching folding shapes.
The classic origami rules require that a square sheet of paper is used to make the figure, cuts of which are completely unacceptable. An example of the original origami can be considered a crane figure. However, over time, techniques improved, paper impregnation and glue appeared. Over time, the figures became more complex and became modular or, conversely, simplified. Examples of simplification are origami stars - a three-dimensional star created from a strip of paper.
Asterisk figure
"Asterisk" - origami from paper, being simple, clear and beautiful, is one of the most popular figures. It is so simple that primary school children easily learn to fold it.
Due to the ability to use paper of different structures, different colors, different patterns, you can create an amazing origami star or many of them. Thus, the creation of stars will never get bored and each time the set can be unique.
Asterisk folding pattern
At first, it will be difficult to even believe that a strip of paper can turn into a three-dimensional figure. However, this is the charming side of origami. We will take a closer look at how to make an origami star. Also, at first you should get your hand on creating an asterisk, especially if you are going to make several tens or even hundreds. After the 15th you will do them on the machine.
First you need to cut strips of paper in a ratio of width to length 1:13. This is best done with a clerical knife and a ruler, because it is difficult to make a perfectly even incision with scissors. In this case, it is important that the strip is the same width along the entire length. You can experiment with the parameters to get an origami star of the right size.
- After cutting a sufficient number of strips, you can begin to fold the paper directly to create an asterisk.
- Make a loop at one end of the paper, draw the short end of the strip into this loop and make a knot.
- Pulling the long end of the paper, gently tighten the knot so that in the end you get the figure of a regular pentagon.
- The remaining small piece can be bent into the pentagon or cut off.
- Start folding the long end around the pentagon, the paper itself will lie flat along the edges of the pentagon.
- The end of the tape needs to be carefully tucked, as a result, the base for the star should be obtained in the form of a regular pentagon.
- It remains to draw star rays in the blank. At this step, errors and defects most often appear, so you should not rush. The secret is to correctly grip the pentagon from the opposite side, which will be pressured, and put the edge of the figure along your finger. Gently push down so that the center of the rib rolls inward and the sprocket becomes surround.
Symbolism of the star in different cultures
The five-pointed star as a symbol of security of protection against evil forces has been known for more than three thousand years. In ancient Rome, the star was a symbol of the war god Mars. Among Masons, it was a symbol of universal energy. Its meaning is extremely diverse. It is a symbol of eternity, light and high ideals. But at the same time, the inverted star is the seal of Baphomet - a symbol of Satanism.
In some ancient cultures, it was believed that each person has his own star in the sky. She appears in heaven with his birth and disappears with death. In others, the soul of a person after death goes to heaven and takes a place among the stars. Such beliefs about the connection of man’s fate with the stars led to the birth and development of astrology.
The five-pointed star is not the only one in this character series. There are many other stars in the world that are also famous symbols. A triangular star is a biblical symbol of the divine principle. The six-pointed star of David is a symbol of divine protection. Star of Bethlehem - a symbol of the Nativity of Christ. The seven-pointed star is a symbol of the east. And many others. Of course, almost all stars can be stacked in origami. But more on that in other lessons.
Asterisk examples
In Japan, traditionally stack stars for various holidays. And their limitless variations allow designers and artists to use them for compositions. The scope of origami stars is limited only by the imagination of the author.
Origami is a pleasant and understandable art that is accessible to everyone. It requires minimal investment and gives in return endless possibilities for creativity. It is also worth noting that origami is a type of meditation, allowing the author to relax and calmly immerse himself in his inner world and in his own thoughts.