Origami is …     

Paper first came to Japan from China in the early seventh century. Paper folding (Origami) began in the Heian period (9th century) and became very popular in the Edo period (17th century). Paper was folded into shapes such as dolls, cranes, turtles and balls. Over time folded paper decorations came to be used at Japanese festivals and in religious ceremonies.  The art of paper folding is still developing today.