The number of political emblems on Northern Ireland's streets almost halved last year following the summer marching season, according to researchers from Queen's University Belfast.
The season, which reaches its height on July 12th, is traditionally a time of tension, unionists and loyalists celebrate the victory of the Protestant Prince William of Orange over the Catholic King James II at the Battle of the Boyne in July 1690.
The event is marked by Orange Order members, wearing bowler hats and orange sashes, marching through the streets of almost every town in the North, usually accompanied by pipe or flute bands.
However, the parades are seen by many in the nationalist community as a threat and as a symbol of the dominance of the Protestant community.
The research found that following the marching season, symbols such as paramilitary murals and flags fell by 40 per cent, with all Orange Arches and the majority of Orange flags and banners removed.
This year saw an increase in the proportion of republican emblems because of the 25th anniversary of the 1981 hunger strikes.
Researchers found 2,499 political emblems in September last year including 18 republican flags and loyalist murals. The figures were revealed in a report published by the Office of the First and Deputy First Minister's office.
Another paper noted a rise in the number of attacks on churches in 2005 to 83, up from 32 in 2004.
There were also more Orange Halls and schools targeted by sectarian arsonists as well as GAA premises.