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Japanese CraneGrus japonensis 2 of Spades |
Art by Sandra SanTara Boulder, CO |
| Flapping wings to go skywards Sounds are heard in the heavens Fluttering about, looking at the heights Cranes dance - Dancing in a circle, crying back and forth Crane calls resound in the sky Coming out of the clouds so as play with their shadows Circling the top of heaven A white crane in the blue-green sky. ~He Ming Jiugao Once widespread over most of Asia, the Japanese crane population was devastated by the effects of war and societal struggles – dwindling at one point to a population of less than 20 birds. An aggressive conservation effort has brought these magnificent birds back from the brink of extinction. Traditionally, the Japanese crane was a symbol of longevity, fidelity, purity, and good fortune. Before the conflicts that caused their demise, cranes were cherished, studied, and even fed by peasants and royalty alike. As early as the 12th century there are records of cranes being banded to learn of their migratory movements. Human cultures around the world have been fascinated by these incredible birds since the beginnings of recorded history. There is a legend that the making of 1000 paper cranes, one for each year of the long-lived crane’s life, will grant the paper-folder a wish. This tradition has become a popular symbol of peace and health. |
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Endangered Ark
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