I chose butterflies after I went to a friend's house, where I saw she had origami butterflies on her ceiling. This made me to want to research and learn more about them and what their significance is.
In Japan, butterflies have a strong cultural meaning which is expressed in kimono and yukata patterns. The butterfly print is often saved for weddings because a pair of butterflies look as if they’re dancing together. This is a symbol of marital happiness for the bride and groom.
The elegance and beauty of their delicate wings and graceful flying patterns, are often compared to feminine beauty. The fact that their lives are short is a symbol of how things don’t last forever so life should be appreciated in the present moment. The transition of a caterpillar to a butterfly shows that hard work can always get you closer to your goals.
In Japan there is a story that says if you make 1000 origami cranes you can grant a wish and it will come true. The wish is carried by butterfly which are said to be able to control the weather so that your wish can be seen by the gods.