What is Origami?
Origami does not originate from a sole inventor, it was crafted over centuries by many different hands for various ceremonial purposes in Japan and even China (Robinson, 2026). The word we use today, origami, is derived from the Japanese words ori which means folded and kami which translates to paper. While paper itself was first developed in China before spreading to Japan, folding paper into decorative and symbolic forms became especially refined in Japanese culture over time. Early uses of folded paper included religious ceremonies, gift wrapping, and formal exchanges, where presentation held great meaning.
Fast forwarding centuries, today origami is seen worldwide. A simple YouTube search nowadays can teach even the newest of the new how to craft an origami chameleon, like how I learnt! What was once a traditional practice has now grown into a global hobby, mathematical practice, and even an area of scientific research.
Math, Science, and Folds
It comes to no surprise when we see the intricate works by masterful artists, that the art within folding comes from mathematical roots. For example, take the common fold that basically all origami pieces start with: the square piece of paper folded diagonally corner to corner and then along the sides, top to bottom and left to right. These folds create lines of symmetry and reference points that help guide more intricate folds later on. Mathematically, these folds create either a valley or mountain based on the value of the angle between the two adjacent planes created by the fold (Kunz, 2024). A valley fold bends inward like a “V,” while a mountain fold rises outward like a mountain. By combining these two simple fold types in different orders, locations, and sizes, folders can create highly detailed animals, flowers, and geometric structures.
Additionally, origami also has strong roots in more of a geometric application of math, with many models and folds often relying on fractions, bisectors, symmetry and so much more. In the scientific world, origami has received its share of the spotlight from inspiring compact folded solar panel designs for satellite use to shaping medical stents used in patients.
My Folds and Why I do it
My goal when folding is simple: just don’t make it ugly. I find my inspiration, to recreate art through online tutorials, to be fueled by the passion and creativity of others. I folded the blue origami dragon below to surprise one friend, and the raccoon for another. I draw my skills in folding back to just wanting my creation to be as perfect as possible for the people around me. I trace my folding skills back to one main motivation: wanting my creations to be as perfect as possible for the people around me. I have made plenty of lousy folds, but never when I feel a real sense of purpose behind them. When I fold for someone else, I tend to care more, focus more, and try as hard as I can. I am happy to say I will keep carrying on origami traditions. Mine may not be embedded in ceremonial, mathematical or even scientific purposes, but they still come from a place of creativity, curiosity, and humanity.
References
Origami created and photographed by Kristina Siju
Origami with Jo Nakashima. (2021, September 14). ORIGAMI CHAMELEON (Jo Nakashima ). YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=if7iSuzNn38
Nakashima, J. (2015). Origami Dragon (Jo Nakashima) [YouTube Video]. In YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kUsxMXwCW8A
Muneji Fuchimoto ORIGAMI CHANNEL. (2020, December 8). 「折り紙」アライグマ（racoon origami）の折り方. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X2FYuvt-U80
Geometry – Ancient geometry: abstract and applied. (n.d.). Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/science/geometry/Ancient-geometry-abstract-and-applied
Thesis, B., Kunz, C., & Cannas Da Silva, A. (2024). Mathematics of Origami. https://people.math.ethz.ch/~acannas/Student_Papers/BSc_Theses/2024_bsc_kunz_mathematics_of_origami.pdf
