A Cross-Cultural Study of Holiday Decorations

The purpose of this study is to investigate the ways in which cultural beliefs influence the lifestyles of the residents and environmental activities, especially decorations on the fronts during holiday seasons. The relationship between holiday displays and cultural values are investigated in the study. This research conducts a case study of two ethnic neighborhoods to understand cultural identification, attachments and environmental decoration. The neighborhoods were visited and their activities were observed during the holidays including Easter, Thanksgiving, Halloween and Christmas from 1992 to 1995. Exterior decorations were measured by a field survey of the frontal areas of 200 houses. This study confirms that the fronts are recognized and evaluated as cultural communications. The holiday decorations and celebrations are intimately related to cultural dimensions. Distinctive groups use different environmental elements in the celebration of holidays. Each culture is distinguished by its own rituals constituted by the interweaving of space and activities.