1.
thousand folded paper cranes (strung together as a wish or prayer)
A thousand origami cranes folded and strung on threads, given as a wish for recovery from illness, for victory, or for peace. Often made collectively by a class, a team, or a group of friends.
From 千 (thousand) + 羽 (counter for birds) + 鶴 (crane); つる becomes づる in the compound.
Common collocations
- 千羽鶴を折る: to fold a thousand cranes
- 千羽鶴を贈る: to present a thousand cranes
- 快復を願って千羽鶴を作る: to make cranes wishing for someone's recovery
Cultural note
The crane is said to live a thousand years, and folding a thousand of them is a way of praying for long life or recovery. The custom is closely associated with Sadako Sasaki, a girl who folded cranes while ill after the Hiroshima bombing, and with the peace movement that grew around her story.