What does the Moravian star symbolize?
In the Moravian religion, the star is symbolic of God, and is often correlated with the star of Bethlehem, which has led to an association of these stars with advent during the Christmas season.
Where do you hang a Moravian star?
According to Moravian tradition, the star should be displayed from the first Sunday in Advent (the fourth Sunday before Christmas) until Epiphany (January 6). That being said, many people find the star so beautiful that they hang it on their front porch or in a window all year long.
Why is it called a Moravian star?
The stars take their English name from the Moravian Church, originating in Moravia. In Germany, they are known as Herrnhut stars, named after the Moravian Mother Community in Saxony, Germany, where they were first commercially produced.
Is the Moravian star the star of Bethlehem?
The stars were quickly adopted by the Moravian Church as a symbol of the birth of Jesus and represented the star of Bethlehem, according to the Monroe County Historical Association. Moravian stars range from six points to over 100, but the traditional Moravian star has 26 points.
Why does the Moravian star have 26 points?
In fact, the original Moravian Star manufactured in 1897 came in a 25-point form, composed of eighteen squares and seven triangular cone-shaped points. The 26th point is designed to be missing on purpose so that there can be a flat base used for mounting or hanging.
What is the difference between a Bethlehem star and a Moravian star?
This star is also know as the Christmas Star, representing the Star of Bethlehem that led the Magi to the manger where Christ was born. So, when you’re trying to determine which star you’re looking at, if the points are all equal, it’s a Moravian Star; if the top and bottom points are elongated, it’s a Bethlehem Star.
When should Moravian star be taken down?
Traditionally, the star is hung the first Sunday of Advent and remains up until Epiphany, January 6, or the time of the coming of the Magi. In 1880, Pieter Verbeek, a graduate of the Moravian boys school in Niesky, opened a small bookstore where he began to sell the Stars.
Who are the Moravians and what do they believe?
The Moravians, or Unitas Fratrum (United Brethren), were German-speaking Protestants. As followers of Jan Hus, a Bohemian heretic who was burned at the stake in 1415, the Moravians are acknowledged as the first Protestants, pre-dating the Lutherans by 100 years.
How many edges does a Moravian star have?
In simple terms, the star’s center has 26 sides that are a combination of squares and triangles. Each side then has a triangular pyramid that makes the point.
What is the difference between a Bethlehem Star and a Moravian star?
Why does the Moravian Star have 26 points?
Where is the Moravian star in Bethlehem?
It is on necklaces in storefronts on Main Street on north-side, it is forged in steel and glass hanging above doorways, and even on the road on Main Street. What you have to watch out for is Bethlehem is also the home of Moravian history and Moravian College. The Moravians also have an iconic star.