When it comes to fun and engaging origami projects, one of the favorites among kids is the ninja star. This is not surprising, given that both origami and ninjas are integral elements of Japanese culture. The term origami itself comes from two Japanese words: “oru,” meaning “to fold,” and “kami,” meaning paper. Origami has been a cherished tradition in Japan since around 500 A.D., following the arrival of Chinese paper. Back then, paper was rare and costly, making origami a craft reserved for special occasions, often of a religious nature. Centuries later, ninjas (or shinobi) emerged, known as secretive agents during feudal Japan.
While children often mix up “ninja” and “samurai,” these terms refer to distinct roles. The samurai class viewed ninjas as less honorable due to their stealthy methods. Ninjas were characterized by their speed, silence, and cunning, while samurais favored direct confrontation.
So, where do ninja stars come into play? Although ninjas were present from the 12th century, the first shuriken, or “ninja star,” appeared in the 17th century. Shuriken translates to “hidden hand blade,” a term for various small, discreet weapons, including daggers. Interestingly, shuriken were primarily used by samurais and ashigaru soldiers rather than ninjas. The skill of using these throwing stars is called shurikenjutsu and was often practiced alongside other martial arts.
While real shuriken could be lethal, making a paper version is a much safer alternative—aside from the occasional papercut. If you’re interested in creating your own origami ninja star, there are several designs to choose from, each with a unique folding technique.
1. Classic Ninja Star (Two Pieces of Paper)
This is the most common design. You can use two sheets of notebook paper for a fun bi-colored effect—perhaps red and black construction paper for added flair!
2. Single-Paper Ninja Star
This design is less colorful but just as popular. Some may find this option a bit trickier than the two-piece star.
3. Transforming Ninja Star
This clever design can morph from a simple circle into a “deadly weapon” with just a flick of the wrist. You can even wear it as a stylish bracelet!
4. Double Ninja Star
What’s cooler than one ninja star? A double star with even more blades! This version isn’t necessarily more effective, but it’s a fun upgrade for paper-folding enthusiasts.
5. Boomerang Ninja Star
The boomerang variant stands out due to its elongated, sharp blades. Rumor has it that if thrown correctly, it can return like a real boomerang—watch out!
Which origami ninja star will your child want to tackle first? You might need to assist with the initial attempts, but with practice (and a bit of screen time), they’ll master each design in no time.
Are Ninja Stars Legal in California?
Aside from the harmless paper creations, real metal ninja stars are prohibited in some states. Generally, if a state has restrictions on knives, throwing stars are also likely illegal. In California, it’s against the law to make, import, sell, or possess a ninja star. But don’t worry! The paper versions are perfectly legal everywhere!
Ninja Jokes
To add some laughter, here are a few ninja-themed jokes for your child:
- How does a ninja handle fear? He passes it onto others.
- How many ninjas does it take to change a lightbulb? Where did that lightbulb come from?
- If a ninja eliminates someone in the forest and no one hears it, does it make a sound? No, it makes a corpse!
Ninja Weapons
Ninja stars weren’t the only tools in these stealthy warriors’ arsenal. They also used:
- Throwing Knives: Small, sharp knives akin to ninja stars.
- Blowguns: Long tubes used to propel darts.
- Nunchucks: Two thick sticks connected by a chain or rope, made from various materials.
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In summary, creating an origami ninja star can be a delightful and engaging activity for kids. With various designs to explore, from classic to boomerang styles, they’re bound to have fun while learning a piece of Japanese culture. Just remember, while crafting these paper stars is safe, actual ninja stars are prohibited in some areas—stick to the paper versions for all the fun!