A traditional and recreational art form developed in Japan with roots in China, origami, or the art of paper folding, shines a light on ways to bring beauty into the world from an ordinary object.  

“Origami is so much more than folding paper,” said Dr. Koji Arizumi, director of the Critical Languages Center. “There are different stories behind each origami creation, and collaboration is important as it keeps the stories going.”  

The first true paper and paper-making process originated in China thousands of years ago, but sheets of origami paper didn’t appear until the 1600s. In China, paper for artistic folding was made from tree bark, hemp waste and cloth. Japanese papermakers improved the quality of the paper, further engraining the art into cultural practices and traditions. In Japanese culture, origami is usually modeled after figures from the natural world such as animals and plants. The origami crane is perhaps one of the most recognized and symbolizes hope, healing and good fortune.  

In the 1950s, origami became popular in the United States, finding its way into pop culture. There are several acclaimed origami museums throughout the world, including Origami Center of America in New York. On UA’s campus, there is a collection of origami cranes in Oliver Bernard Hall created by the Blount Origami Club. The department of modern languages and classics also promotes origami through class exercises, clubs and more.   

The growth of this art in the United States is one of the many cultural gifts to celebrate during May, which is Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. This annual observance commemorates the contributions that generations of Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders, and Native Hawaiians have made to American history and culture.  

UA’s Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion offers an in-depth look at immigration history and cultural impact along with educational resources and more.  And through May 31, the Intercultural Diversity Center is hosting an exhibit featuring information on the challenges, contributions and achievements by Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders, and Native Hawaiians.

Try your hand at folding an origami elephant.

Step 1: Fold paper in half to make a triangle.  

Start with a flat sheet of origami paper.

Step 2: Fold again into a smaller triangle. Press down firmly along the edge of the fold to create a crease. Open the paper back to the triangle shape.  

Step 3: Fold the left and right edges of the triangle to the center crease.  

Step 4: Fold both top corners to the side, making two additional triangular folds.  

Step 5: Fold/tuck the corners of the top behind to create the elephant’s ears.  

Tuck the corners of the “ears.” 

Step 6: Flip elephant over. Fold up the elephant’s trunk then back down several times into an accordion-like pattern.  

Take the “trunk” and fold it several times like an accordian.

Step 7: Pull out the trunk and draw eyes.  

Arts & Culture, Campus & Community

The University of Alabama, part of The University of Alabama System, is the state’s flagship university. UA shapes a better world through its teaching, research and service. With a global reputation for excellence, UA provides an inclusive, forward-thinking environment and nearly 200 degree programs on a beautiful, student-centered campus. A leader in cutting-edge research, UA advances discovery, creative inquiry and knowledge through more than 30 research centers. As the state’s largest higher education institution, UA drives economic growth in Alabama and beyond.

UA’s College of Community Health Sciences has created a fellowship program to provide comprehensive instruction for family medicine physicians seeking additional skills in pediatric care. The year-long pediatric fellowship will offer a variety of experiences in both primary and tertiary care settings. Fellows also will receive research time and financial support for continuing education activities.

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