The outbreak of American military actions against Iraq in 1990 inspired many people to publicly display yellow ribbons as a sign of support. These ribbons were often displayed along with patriotic symbols such as the American flag, and flag-derived color motifs. Moreover, both the ribbons and the flags were often displayed in conjunction with the usual holiday decorations appropriate to the season. Using a variety of symbols, people created folk assemblages that commented on and reflected issues of war and politics, and that mediated individual opinions and community expression. In these folk assemblages of war we see the creation of tradition out of elements of folk, popular, and mass culture; and the dynamic use of traditional forms in society.