Paper Crane - A Blessing for Love and Hope
Paper Cranes in the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park
Visitors to Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park are greeted by a vibrant display of brightly colored paper cranes. These delicate origami creations, known worldwide as a symbol of peace, adorn the park in a tradition that originated from ancient Japanese culture. The folding of paper cranes has become a global practice, serving as a heartfelt wish for peace in nations far and wide. This profound connection between paper cranes and peace can be traced back to the poignant story of a young girl named Sadako Sasaki.
A Tragic Tale
Sadako Sasaki, just two years old when the atomic bomb devastated Hiroshima on 6th August 1945, miraculously escaped any visible injuries, as she was two kilometers away from the bomb's epicenter. Growing up, she appeared healthy and strong, until one fateful day in the fall of 1954. As a sixth-grade student, Sadako suddenly began experiencing signs of illness, which led to her diagnosis of leukemia, commonly known as the "A-bomb disease" at the time, in February of the following year. During her hospital stay, Sadako's best friend, Chizuko, visited her and shared a legend. She explained that in Japanese culture, the crane held sacred significance and had a lifespan of a hundred years. The legend held that if a sick person folded 1,000 paper cranes, they would receive good health.
Inspired by this belief, Sadako resolved to fold 1,000 cranes with support from her family, despite her knowledge that her survival was unlikely. In October 1955, surrounded by her grieving loved ones, she peacefully passed away.
The Children's Peace Monument
Deeply affected by Sadako's journey, her classmates formed a unity club to honor her memory and stay connected beyond their school years. The movement grew as students from 3,100 schools in Japan and 9 foreign countries contributed funds to erect a monument dedicated to the children who perished due to the atomic bomb and pray for global peace. After nearly three years of fundraising, the Children's Peace Monument was unveiled on May 5, 1958, in the heart of Hiroshima Peace Park, close to the bomb's impact site. Sadako's simple act of folding cranes, initially sparked by her determination and the support of her classmates, evolved into a national and international children's peace movement. To this day, approximately 10 million paper cranes are offered annually before the Children's Peace Monument, located beneath Sadako's statue. It echoes the timeless wish engraved on the monument.
Conclusion
The vibrant display of paper cranes in Hiroshima's Peace Memorial Park symbolizes the universal desire for peace. The tradition originated from Sadako Sasaki, a young girl who folded 1,000 cranes while battling leukemia caused by the atomic bomb. The Children's Peace Monument stands as a testament to her legacy and inspires millions to pray for global peace.
Why match it to August?
The tragedy of Sadako Sasaki was caused by the atomic bombing of Hiroshima on 6th August 1945. It was the first time that a nuclear weapon was adopted in war and caused huge casualties. Linking paper cranes with August can signify the message of asking for peace and nuclear disarmament.
