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πŸŽ„ Holiday Decorations: A Cross-Cultural Perspective πŸŽ„

11/19/2024

This impression was captured yesterday in the housing estate where my German family and I live in the US. Considering that it’s not even December yet, we, as Germans, find decorations like these truly remarkable!

πŸŽ„ Timing of Decorations:
In Germany, it is traditionally considered improper to decorate for Christmas before Totensonntag (Sunday of the Dead). This Protestant religious holiday, observed in Germany and Switzerland, commemorates the faithful departed and falls on the last Sunday of the liturgical year in the Protestant Church. While this custom seems to be loosening over time, most people still refrain from putting up Christmas decorations or opening Christmas markets until after this day.

In contrast, in the US, Thanksgivingβ€”which falls on the fourth Thursday of Novemberβ€”seems to mark the start of the holiday season. Many households aim to have their Christmas trees and other decorations up by this time, blending the Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations into one festive period.

πŸŽ„ Style of Decorations:
Traditional German decorations are typically more subdued and symbolic. Christmas lights are often meant to evoke the Star of Bethlehem or resemble snow-covered trees, aligning with the religious significance of the season. Decorations commonly feature traditional motifs like bells, angels, or stars, reflecting the sacred nature of the holiday.

In the US, however, holiday decorations are often more colorful, elaborate, and playful, celebrating the broader idea of a festive holiday season rather than strictly focusing on religious traditions.

πŸ’‘ How and when do people decorate for the holiday season in your country?