National Origami Day

The National Origami Day on November 11 is a celebration of the delicate and creative art of paper folding known as origami. It encourages people of all ages to pick up a square sheet of paper, explore folds and creases, and turn something flat into a figure full of character and subtlety.

History of this holiday

The roots of this observance extend back to Japan, where Origami Day (折り紙の日) was declared in 1980 by the Nippon Origami Association to honour the traditional Japanese paper‐folding art. Over time origami’s appeal spread globally, and in 2005 the American organization OrigamiUSA proposed a broader celebration period called World Origami Days from October 24 to November 11. These developments turned November 11 into a de-facto “National Origami Day” in many places, even if the terminology varies.

Why is this holiday important?

The holiday raises awareness of origami not just as a hobby, but as a craft that fosters patience, creativity, and precision—a deceptively simple medium that can yield surprising complexity. It also honours cultural heritage: origami has a long lineage in Japan and now serves as a bridge among cultures, age groups, and disciplines.
Specifically:

• It invites people to learn a craft, thereby promoting manual dexterity, spatial thinking and focus.
• It connects to cultural history—origami’s journey from ceremonial folding and folk craft to modern artistic and educational tool.
• It promotes the idea of transforming something ordinary (a sheet of paper) into something imaginative, reinforcing creative potential in everyday life.
• It encourages sharing—folding, gifting paper models, teaching friends or children—which builds community and communication.
• It links to themes of peace and goodwill: for example, the paper crane has become a global symbol of hope, which adds a meaningful dimension to the day.

How to celebrate (or observe) this holiday

On National Origami Day you can take part in many simple and joyful ways: fold a crane, a flower, a simple animal; join a workshop or invite friends over to fold; explore more advanced models; learn about the tradition behind origami. It’s about connecting with paper, the hands, and the imagination—and perhaps discovering how much your own mind enjoys turning a flat sheet into something expressive.
Here are some practical ideas:

• Choose a square sheet of paper (especially with colour or pattern) and fold classic models like the crane or a butterfly.
• Invite a friend or family member to fold together and share the result—make it a mini‐folding party.
• Explore online diagrams or books to try a slightly more challenging model than you usually do.
• Use origami as a gift or message: fold something for someone else as a small act of kindness.
• Reflect on the craftsmanship and patience involved; take a moment to appreciate how something simple becomes special.

National Origami Day Dates Table