★ The Inspiration Behind the 2009 Project
As one of several international projects for TVXQ, we hope that this is one that everyone from all over and from all forums, fansites, and blogs will decide to participate in for their 6th anniversary. So what is The Thousands Cranes Project all about?
Cranes are held in high regard in many Asian cultures, Chinese and Japanese in particular. They have long been a symbol representing good health, longevity, truth, loyalty, nobility, fidelity, and beauty. Thought to be “well-behaved like gentlemen, incorruptible and naturally clean and honest”, to be compared to one was a compliment of the highest order.
But cranes are known for more than that; an ancient Japanese legend promises that whoever folds 1000 paper cranes will be granted a wish, usually health related. And in the 1950’s, the story of a Japanese girl called Sadako Sasaki, who contracted leukemia because of the Hiroshima bombing during World War II, spread the hope of the 1000 Cranes throughout the world. Since Sadako Sasaki tried to fold her own 1000 cranes, it has become known as a symbol of world peace. And so the old Japanese legend flourished once again.
For the 6th anniversary of Tong Vfang Xien Qi (Tohoshinki/Dong Bang Shin Ki), it is our hope that we, as international fans, can gather together to fold these paper cranes to show our support for their dreams, hopes, and wishes. As any fan of TVXQ would know, while material gifts allow them to understand our strong feelings for them, it is our support that they want the most. Recently, fans have taken to donating to charities in their names, and that, more than any gift, pleases them the most.
The Thousands Cranes project is still a material gift, but it is one that shows our dedication and support the most, as we take the time to fold each crane individually. As we complete each crane, our hopes and wishes for TVXQ will be folded into every crease and edge of the origami crane. If you are interested in being a part of this project, please visit the other links to see what the project actually includes.
Excerpt was taken from Mrs. Lin’s Kitchen Website. Visit wikipedia’s page Thousand Origami Cranes page, as well as Sadako Sasaki's page, for more information on the story of the thousand cranes.EDIT (May 17, 2009): Recent internet surfing has led me to find out about the Cranes for Peace Project. You can find out more about this project by clicking on the following crane, which will lead you to the original livejournal post that started it all. And if you're on facebook, there's a
group for it there too.
