Easy Origami Bat - Bat Culture Links

Links and Info About
Lucky Bat Origami Bats from Many Cultures

Why do I call the little red bat to the right a Lucky Bat? If you are only familiar with Halloween style bats and the usual European view of them as scary animals it might seem odd.

Once you know some Asian cultural facts it all becomes clear. The Chinese word fu for "bat", and fu for "good fortune" are homonyms. The phrase for red bats is a homonym for great good fortune. The color red, in general, is the color of joy, and is connected with celebrations and wishes for good fortune.

You will often find the bat in decorative arts from China and Japan. One design is five bats above a peach representing good luck and longevity related to the Five Blessings; of longevity, wealth, health, virtuousness, and a peaceful end.

BATS in South American Folklore and Ancient Art Bats have fascinated people for thousands of years— especially in the New World tropics where more kinds of bats live than anywhere else in the world.

The bats in art from South and Middle America are often abstracted and, until you are used to the styles, hard to recognize. Bats are sculpted on ceramic jugs and formed of metal for headdresses and nose ornaments. Huge buildings made from stone have gigantic bat faces around doors.

Among the Moche people, the most feared of all gods was Ai Apec - the demon with fangs of a bat and claws of a crab. The bat is associated in Moche art with human sacrifice.

Not all bat art is associated with a fierce god, many other people associated the bat with hummingbirds and butterflies! It was just another animal thay had noticed polllinating flowers.

Origami and the Art of Bat Appreciation “When people see an origami exhibit, they’re immediately captivated and full of questions,” says BCI member Michael G. LaFosse, a world-renowned master of Japanese paper folding. “So when they view my origami bats, the art bridges the gap between fear and confidence, and they aren’t afraid to ask me all about bats.” GREAT photos on this page!!!!!

BACK TO THE ORIGAMI HOW-TO INDEX ON THE MANCHESTER CT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ART SITE

HOW TO FOLD EASY BAT: Page 1.......... Page 2......... Page 3
BAT RESOURCES........BATS IN ART.........CT BAT FACTS

BACK TO THE ORIGAMI HOW-TO INDEX ON THE MANCHESTER CT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ART SITE HOW TO FOLD EASY BAT: Page 1.......... Page 2......... Page 3 BAT RESOURCES........BATS IN ART.........CT BAT FACTS
Links and Info About Bats from Many Cultures Why do I call the little red bat to the right a Lucky Bat? If you are only familiar with Halloween style bats and the usual European view of them as scary animals it might seem odd. Once you know some Asian cultural facts it all becomes clear. The Chinese word fu for "bat", and fu for "good fortune" are homonyms. The phrase for red bats is a homonym for great good fortune. The color red, in general, is the color of joy, and is connected with celebrations and wishes for good fortune. You will often find the bat in decorative arts from China and Japan. One design is five bats above a peach representing good luck and longevity related to the Five Blessings; of longevity, wealth, health, virtuousness, and a peaceful end. Bats in Chinese Art by Stephen J. Kern This is an article on the Bat Conservation site which goes into more detail. BATS in South American Folklore and Ancient Art Bats have fascinated people for thousands of years— especially in the New World tropics where more kinds of bats live than anywhere else in the world. The bats in art from South and Middle America are often abstracted and, until you are used to the styles, hard to recognize. Bats are sculpted on ceramic jugs and formed of metal for headdresses and nose ornaments. Huge buildings made from stone have gigantic bat faces around doors. Among the Moche people, the most feared of all gods was Ai Apec - the demon with fangs of a bat and claws of a crab. The bat is associated in Moche art with human sacrifice. Not all bat art is associated with a fierce god, many other people associated the bat with hummingbirds and butterflies! It was just another animal thay had noticed polllinating flowers. Origami and the Art of Bat Appreciation “When people see an origami exhibit, they’re immediately captivated and full of questions,” says BCI member Michael G. LaFosse, a world-renowned master of Japanese paper folding. “So when they view my origami bats, the art bridges the gap between fear and confidence, and they aren’t afraid to ask me all about bats.” GREAT photos on this page!!!!! BACK TO THE ORIGAMI HOW-TO INDEX ON THE MANCHESTER CT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ART SITE HOW TO FOLD EASY BAT: Page 1.......... Page 2......... Page 3 BAT RESOURCES........BATS IN ART.........CT BAT FACTS