There are two types of origami, ancient and contemporary origami. Ancient origami uses only paper and your hands. In contemporary origami you can add scissors, glue, etc.

The art of paperfolding was first developed in China. Then Buddhist Monks brought paper to Japan in the sixth century. The first Japanese folds date from that period. The only time they could use the paper was for cermonial occasions because the paper was scarce. The figures made from origami were shaped like animals, costumed people, and ceremonial designs. Even though the modern ethic forbids it, they frequently used cuts in the paper.

There were few written records of paperfolding designs and really, the only ones that lasted were the simple ones. The simple ones have beckoning beauty and their simplicity is appealing. In modern times, origami is very often found in the western world. The Spanish too, have found paperfolding and have used it for a long time. Simple folds have been reinvented over and over. These folds have come out of both the east and west.

No one knows exactly when they started to print on origami but paper is essential in printing and so it was inevitably going to happen.

Origami had a terrific boost in the 1950's and now origami is a very popular thing to do. Since ancient China there have been many changes in folding the paper and there are much more designs and much more new things.

Some original ones that are still being used as decoration today are the paper crane and another is a fortune teller. They are both used for fun and are very well know to elementary ages.