Wendi Midas Yuan

Festival Cultures

Abstract

Western holidays such as Christmas and Halloween have gained widespread popularity across many countries. In parts of Asia, young people frequently celebrate these occasions with friends despite their non-traditional roots. In contrast, while the Lunar New Year is widely recognized, many other significant Chinese festivals—such as the Lantern Festival, Dragon Boat Festival, and Mid-Autumn Festival—remain relatively unfamiliar to Western audiences.

This project explores the cultural imbalance in global festival awareness through a series of visual design outcomes, including posters, a website, and festival-related gifts. Each festival is represented through distinct visual elements, colors, and symbols that reflect its unique traditions and meanings. By translating these cultural characteristics into contemporary visual communication, the project aims to promote a broader understanding of Chinese festival culture, encouraging cross-cultural appreciation.

See thesis book