A measure is decoration to adornment. The term has a further and a closer meaning.

• In the broadest sense decoration measures means prosperity for adornment, for optical revaluation or for the representing (out) organization of areas, objects or persons. One speaks also of decoration or of decorative (decorating) elements; see in addition the term clarifying ornamentation. Decoration designates then also elements, which train animals or plants as similar purposes.
• Strictly speaking the term decoration calls one subjectively beautifully felt article (Ziergegenstand, in addition, painting), which is attached at the body or at an object. The word is old-Germanic origin and meant originally, in something (for instance a dress) presses itself in. Same origin has also in the German term used for decoration in the sense of valuable preciousnesses Geschmeide - other names for valuable, at the body carried, are Pretiosen and/or Preziosen (eingedeutscht).

General history

The use of decoration decreases/goes back to the beginnings of mankind. Neck decoration in form both of simple, in addition, already multielement Halsketten are already from the paleolithic age occupied. Humans of the Steinzeit worked their Halsketten from shell and snail housings, animal teeth, fish eddies and beads. Trailers were also already worked from bone, stones and from amber.

With the discovery of the processing possibilities of copper and bronze these were processed in panels, metal beads, rings and disks. The use of organic materials such as animal teeth or also amber decreased against it. In the pre-Christian time decoration beside other articles was also grave with gift.

With the discovery of metalworking in the Bronzezeit over the glass production up to the development of new materials in 20. Century (e.g. Accordingly plastic), could extend the range of the used materials during the preparation of decoration (Bijouterie). With the use of precious materials the decoration became at the same time also an object of value, which was used with exchange. If a large quantity of valuable decoration is discovered, which cannot be assigned (a living) owner, one speaks also of a treasure.

Decoration with humans

With humans decoration is a Ziergegenstand, which is carried directly or indirectly at the body. The decoration serves primarily to increase attractiveness a person within a society or a group or visibly represent a status (e.g. the Kronjuwelen)

Decoration is on the one hand to the fascination of the material bound, e.g. to the metal with his gloss or also the jewels with its coloredness, and to formal aspects of the ornamental form.

Among decoration the among other things following ranks:

1. Chains and volumes
2. Trailer, like e.g. Gem stones, and/or jewels
3. Rings and plugs (see also: Piercingschmuck)
4. Ohrringe, e.g. in the form of plugs, trailers or tie-clips
5. Foot decoration and arm decoration
6. Haarschmuck, for example hairpins, hair clips
7. Brooch, e.g. Broschen, needles, pin, badge
8. On the skin adhesive decoration, for example Bindis

To this topic are closely related clothes, body painting (make-ups), and scars.

Animal decoration

Animal decoration is attached with domestic animals and serves usually as status symbol of the owners.

A classical decoration with domestic animals is e.g. with horses with small metal disks and providing table-ware, as well as covers, volumes and further ornaments. These are put on particularly with official causes (e.g. with parades), in order to direct the attention toward the respective riders/group and to emphasize if necessary the social position of the owners. Something similar applies to Indian elephants, as well as to other animals. The head decoration of the guidance animal with the Almabtrieb is to indicate the success of the owner.

Also a functional use is partly added to the decorative function. Thus a bell, and/or a the localization, facilitates e.g. with cows, sheep or cats. Verzierte of collars serve further also control of dogs.

Decorate from objects

Decorating of objects has mostly a symbolic-solemn character and is limited often only to a certain period.

Christmas tree (Christian tree)

In the western-Christian culture area to the Christmas season a spruce or a fir is often decorated among other things with Christian tree balls, Lametta, candles and sweets. This custom is to emphasize the special meaning of the Christian holiday and to shift all involved ones into a festive-positive tendency. Something similar applies also to many other objects and articles in the house, as e.g. Windows (framework or glass), mirrors and also tables.

Cut off pasture branches

Traditionally to Easter pasture branches are placed into a vase and with multicolored Ostereiern. In addition, similarly as to Christmas many other articles in the house are decorated.

Roof roofridge

The completion of a roof structure with the building of houses is celebrated as important intermediate step to the finished house of all involved ones (arranging celebration). As indication on the roof roofridge a small tree is set up.

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