Origami festival to explore the connection of origami to Chinese culture

 

Origami Festival 2008  July 13, 12 – 4 p.m. Earl Burn Miller Japanese Garden, Long Beach  www.csulb.edu/~jgarden

 

Cultural News, July 2008

 

 

Origami: Peasants

 

     The Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden at California State University, Long Beach, will embrace the Olympic spirit as a theme for Origami Festival on July 13 from noon to 4 p.m. 

 

     Held in Beijing, China, in summer 2008, the games symbolize a worldwide celebration of unity, with the theme “One World, One Dream.”

 

     The Japanese Garden shares in this aspiration at the Origami Festival 2008, the garden will provide a space and event that embraces all cultures and ages for the highly diverse community of Southern California.

 

     The Festival will also explore the connection of origami to Chinese culture in celebration of the Olympic host city of Beijing.  This is a natural extension as both paper and origami were invented in China. 

 

      Ts'ai Lun, an official of the Imperial Court, is accredited with the development of paper in A.D. 105 and origami appeared shortly thereafter. 

 

     Two of the most famous origami folds include the crane and the turtle.  These animals as well as the famous dragon, symbolize good luck, long life, and prosperity in both China and Japan. 

 

     More than 40 experts from local and national origami clubs will teach guests in ongoing demonstrations. 

 

     Participants will learn how to fold these wonderful creatures as well as pandas, peony flowers and other symbols of Chinese culture which Japan later adopted.       

 

    The art of kirigami, folded paper that is then cut, will also be explored at the Festival as visitors learn to create classic Chinese patterns found on jade jewelry and architectural carved beams.

 

    The Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden is located on the California State University, Long Beach campus, on Earl Warren Drive, across from lot “16", parking is free in non-metered spaces in Lot “16”. No RSVP is required. Admission: $7 adults, $6 seniors, $5 Japanese Garden members, children 12 and under free. For more information call the EBM Japanese Garden, CSULB at (562) 985-8420.