Origami was started in China about 100 AD by a servant of the emperor. It didn't spread to Japan until 500 years later. At first origami had more traditional uses, but around the 1790's it became a source of amusement. It became even more popular when, in 1797, the book, " The Secret of One Thousand Cranes Origami" was published. It's wasn't until the 1900's that it came to the United States. Today, it is popular all over the world.

Origami means folding paper. "Ori" means folding and "gami" means paper. At first little paper was available in Japan. Only wealthy people could afford to buy it. Instead they used used strips of dry fish or meat to practice the art of paper folding. As origami became more popular, it gradually became less expensive to buy actual paper. Origami spread quickly throughout Japan, most likely because it was an easy, inexpensive way to entertain people of all ages.

Origami is still widely used throughout Asia and has become popular in many other countries. In the United States it has become a favorite past time for people of all different ages and cultures.