1000 Cranes - then what?

[foxinthestars]

I've got on an origami kick and decided to try again to make the traditional 1000 cranes. (I've tried twice before and not made it, so hopefully third time's the charm.)

At the risk of getting ahead of myself, though, a question for any Japan experts in my circle...

If you make the thousand cranes, what are you supposed to (or not supposed to) do with them when they're done? Keeping them forever might be impractical. Wikipedia says it's normal to hang them outdoors until they get tattered (and then discard them presumably, but how?). Is it acceptable to burn them or is that burning your wish?

Comments

[gramarye1971]

I believe that it's acceptable to burn them, as long as it's done with a sense of quiet respect. A small outdoor fire made for the purpose, in which the strings of cranes are placed and allowed to burn to ash, seems most appropriate. Just as shrines and temples burn old omamori (protective charms) not long after the new year, along with the holiday decorations from people's homes, burning would be the way to go.

[foxinthestars]

Thanks!