Interreligious initiative folds 80 origami cranes as a symbol of peace, hope and unity
On Thursday, May 8, 2025, the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War will be commemorated. To mark this occasion, the Darmstadt working group "Religions for Peace" invites everyone to a moment of reflection at Ludwigsplatz between 5:30 and 6:15 p.m. The focus of the event will be the folding of origami cranes together, symbolizing hope, peace, and unity.
At the stand of the working group, representatives of various religions will demonstrate how to fold paper cranes. Participants include members of the Protestant, Catholic, Orthodox, and Free Church churches, as well as Muslims and Baháʼís. Anyone interested, regardless of denomination or worldview, is invited to actively participate. The plan is to create at least 80 paper cranes as a symbol of peace – one crane for each year since the end of the war.
The campaign commemorates Sadako Sasaki, a Japanese girl who survived the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and created a global symbol of peace by crafting paper cranes. The dove, as a classic symbol of peace, is thus complemented by a new, international dimension.
“Especially in times of war and terror, we need signs of hope and a firm commitment to peace,” emphasizes Ilka Friedrich, pastor for ecumenism and interreligious dialogue in the Protestant Deanery of Darmstadt. “Religions are called upon to promote peace. With this initiative, we are demonstrating that cohesion within our city and beyond is a shared concern for us.”
For over 20 years, the working group "Religions for Peace" in Darmstadt has been committed to interreligious dialogue and peaceful coexistence – with regular actions, events and clear positions for social cohesion.
Further information: www.religionen-fuer-den-frieden-darmstadt.de
(DARMSTADT – RED/RFF)
