May 1, 2001 1001 Cranes
Many local weddings would not be complete without 1001 cranes. It has become a tradition to fold and display origami cranes here in Hawaii since the 1960’s. It comes from Asia – the Japanese saying is “Tsuru wa sennen,” or “The crane lives one thousand years.” (In the American custom, thew extra crane was added for good luck.) In Asia, the crane symbolizes fortune, longevity, happiness, fidelity, and peace. So it seems fitting enough to be a part of the weddings.
In any case, I debated and debated over whether or not to fold 1001 cranes and conform to this custom. Just a few months ago, I decided that I would go ahead and do the “crane thing.” I ordered my paper, and it arrived a couple of weeks ago. So I began the folding process.
It is a long process. It takes at least five minutes to fold one crane, because it has to be perfect. I’ve decided to mount my cranes to display at our wedding reception, and later at my home, so I want it to look good. That means folding each crane so that the edges meet up perfectly, or as my friend Joy says, “no white showing.”
I’m supposed to hand over my 1001 folded cranes to have them mounted and framed by the middle of May. That gives me two and a half weeks. Guess what I’m doing these days – folding like crazy! I fold between classes, while watching TV, during my lunch break, or anytime I possibly can. My friend Akemi says that folding 1001 cranes is supposed to teach a bride patience. I think it also teaches you time management, precision, and counting skills.
But I keep telling myself to think of the big picture. I envision the finished product and get inspired to fold a few more cranes. After all, besides the pictures, my cranes will be one of the few things I’ll get to actually take home from my wedding. If it represents all of that, then it definitely is worth sore fingers, right?
For now, I’m just concentrating on finishing my folding. Too bad the saying wasn’t “Tsuru wa hyakunen”… Then, I’d be done!
| Susan Sensei’s English Lesson #75（スーザン先生の英語講座） For two years I taught English in Japan, and was “スーザン先生” to my students in Ikaho town, Gunma Prefecture. I will try and introduce new words and phrases for the Japanese visitor to Hawaii. Here is this week’s situation: 【今週のレッスン】 You’d like to try and visit a local beauty salon while you are in Hawaii. When you call the salon to make an appointment, say, “Hi. I’d like to make a manicure appointment.” 「ネイル・ケアの予約をお願いしたいのですが。」 そうすると、日時、技術者の指定はあるかなどの質問をされますね。希望があれば、この時にはっきりと伝えておきましょう。例えば、こんな風に答えることができます。 The receptionist will probably ask you questions about the time, date, and stylist. You will need to indicate if you have a preference, or not. For example, you can say, “Do you have any appointments on Friday?” 何日か先まで予約でいっぱいのこともありますので、到着したらすぐにトライしてくださいね! Just a hint: Many salons are busy days in advance, so make an appointment as soon as you arrive! |
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