The Beauty and Symbolism of the Crane 

In Japan the crane is a symbol of longevity and good luck because it was thought to have a life span of a thousand years. Cranes are also widely used as wedding décor; sewn into wedding kimonos because of its powerful symbolism. The crane has a long history in Japanese culture and can be seen in painting, statues, temples and shrines throughout Japan. In Japanese culture the symbol of the crane has expanded becoming a symbol of healing and peace. In an old legend it was told that if a person were to fold 1,000 paper cranes they would be granted their most desired wish. This legend became more popular after the story of Sadako Sasaki started to travel across Japan and borders to the rest of the world. Sadako’s peace cranes can now be seen around the world in places that faced devastating events as a symbol of hope for peace and resilience in the face of disaster.