Unveil The Surprising Powers Of This Origami Marvel
October 18, 2023
source: Adobe Stock
Remember the days when you were a child, and the world was full of wonder and simple joys? One of those joys may have been the cootie catcher, a clever paper origami game that could predict your future, reveal hidden secrets, or simply provide endless amusement. Cootie catchers, also known as fortune tellers or chatterboxes, have been a source of delight for generations of children and even adults.
Cootie catchers have a surprisingly rich history. Although their exact origins are not well-documented, they likely date back several centuries. Some sources suggest that they may have originated in Asia, particularly in Japan, as early as the 17th century. From there, they spread to Europe and eventually made their way to North America.
The name “cootie catcher” is believed to have emerged in the United States in the mid-20th century, though the game has been known by various names around the world. In different countries, it might be called a “fortune teller,” “salt cellar,” “chatterbox,” “scrunchie,” or “whirlybird.” No matter the name, the concept remains the same – a simple folded paper device used for fortune-telling and playful interaction.
The beauty of cootie catchers lies in their simplicity. All you need is a square piece of paper and a bit of creativity. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make one:
- Start with a square piece of paper. You can use a standard 8.5″ x 11″ sheet and fold it to create a square by trimming or tucking the excess.
- Fold the square in half diagonally to create a triangle. Open it back up, and then fold it in half diagonally in the other direction. You’ll have two intersecting creases that form an “X.”
- Turn the paper over so that the blank side is facing you. Fold each corner to the center point where the two diagonals meet. You should now have a smaller square.
- Flip the square over again, so the folded flaps are facing you. Fold the paper in half horizontally and vertically. You’ll now have a smaller square with flaps.
- Carefully insert your fingers under the flaps to create the “mouths” of the cootie catcher. You can then write numbers or colors on the exposed triangles and fortunes or questions on the inside flaps.
- Finally, decorate your cootie catcher with drawings, patterns, or any other designs you like.
And voilà, your cootie catcher is ready to play with!
