When I was a little girl one of my favorite books was Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes it is a touching story based on a true story, where a young Japanese girl folds a thousand cranes with the hope that her wish will come true.  My family is Japanese on my Mother’s side and I have always treasured this tradition of folding a simple square of paper into a delicate and beautiful crane–it still seems magical. Folding a thousand cranes is often done for celebrations, particularly weddings as a wish for good luck in honor of the bride and groom.  Another version I have heard is that the Bride folds the cranes in preparation for her wedding day and as her wish for a lifetime of happiness.  In this stunning photo by Jose Villa I’m reminded of how beautiful it can be to incorporate these traditions–honoring our families and celebrating the beauty of our diversity.