Origami Pyramid Passover Centerpiece

Origami and geometric shapes are all the rage as the moment, so origami pyramids for your Passover table seem oh so perfect! Since the Passover seder recounts the story of Jewish slavery and redemption in Egypt these colorful origami pyramid reminders are so fitting— an interesting combination of solemn and cheerful! 

Depending on how large you choose to make them, you could put one on each plate, or make a row of them down the center of the table for a truly gorgeous presentation that will certainly set the stage! And if the bright colors don’t quite match your idea of an elegant Passover table, how about making them in metallic gold, now that could be stunning!

Now I must tell you my friends, I searched long and hard on the internet for the perfect origami pyramid, and even tried out a few versions. Many were very complicated and the results were a tiny tiny pyramid that was hardly worth the effort, others consisted of multiple pieces of paper and were also too problematic. 

So while this pyramid does not have a bottom panel, (as you can see in the photo above) meaning it’s less stable and you can’t say hang it as a mobile, it is simple to make, and simple is really all we have time for just now, right? And after the seder is over you can quite simply stack them as you’re clearing off the table, until you figure out whether to save them or not…..certainly a plus!

You’ll Need:

• Large origami paper, at least 20 x 20 cm, or letter sized or A4 sized sheets of paper which you’ll cut into perfect squares. Origami is generally done with very thin paper due to the number of folds necessary, but since this pyramid doesn’t require so many folds, you can also use heavier paper, especially if you decide to make some really large pyramids from poster sized sheets
• Glue dots, or double stick tape to help the origami shape stay together. I know this renders it not really origami, but you gotta do what you gotta do! I used Aleene’s tacky dot singles, so convenient!
• a bone folder, very optional, a credit card or a pencil work well too for creasing….though I see that origami experts use only their fingers
• The instructions, found here. Just checked the link and it is very hard to see, so take a look at this video instead. Try this when you can fully concentrate on the instructions, even this simple origami pyramid took me a few tries to get!

How To:

Fold paper according to instructions. If necessary, use glue dots or tiny pieces of double stick tape to hold down the corners on the outside of the shape. Make a ton, the more the better!

Note: I’ll have to admit, while origami seems very child friendly, I haven’t really had the time or patience to introduce this wonderful art to my children. I think one needs to start with very simple ideas, and work up to something just a bit harder like this pyramid. Though of course it is highly individual. Origami takes patience and a desire for, and love of perfection, so don’t waste your time by introducing it to children who don’t have those character traits! Those kids need big canvases and paints, or at the least a bucket of water and some paint brushes to “paint” outside!

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