The name saris is of Hindi origin. In Vietnam, they symbolize fidelity, long life and happiness. The crane is thought to be an emissary that bears worthy souls to heaven. Although the western populations are diminishing, the eastern are seriously endangered, largely due to the Indochinese wars. In Australia, they are increasing and are in danger of replacing the native Australian Crane.
Cranes are among the oldest living bird groups.
In fact, a Sandhill Crane fossil 9 million years old is the oldest known modern bird fossil. Smithsonian Institution Press. Perrin and Middleton. Inc. New York.