Barn stars, those quirky ornaments that often adorn the top of barn doors, have a charm that goes beyond mere decoration. They can be painted or made of metal, and in some cases, hexadecimal characters or blankets serve as alternatives. But what lies behind these charming ornaments is a cultural significance that may not be immediately apparent. It turns out that German-American farmers attached great importance to barn stars, often placing them on their barns to ward off evil or bestow prosperity on crops.
What is even more interesting is that each barn star carries a different meaning and their colors can be different which further deepens their meaning. For example, a green barn star symbolizes crop fertility and the promise of strong growth, while blue or black barn stars indicate protection for the farmer, their family, and their harvest. Brown barn stars, on the other hand, represent friendship.
Interesting history of Barn Stars
The history of Barn Stars is a fascinating journey that began in the 1830s with the Amish or Pennsylvania Dutch communities. Each of these symbols is an interpretation of imported European German folk art. The Amish are famous for their simple and traditional way of life, far removed from mainstream culture and modern technology. Barn stars are just one of many locally developed customs and traditions passed down from generation to generation.
Even more remarkable, for someone with a family deeply rooted in Pennsylvania Dutch traditions, things that are often associated have very different meanings. As Patrick Donmoyer, who oversees the Pennsylvania German Heritage Center at Kutztown University, notes, “It’s important to realize that there are really two parallel traditions: there are barn stars, and then there are hexadecimal characters.”
The hexadecimal characters often found on barns have their own special meaning. These symbols are not limited to barn decoration. They have appeared in various other contexts, such as marriage licenses where they are believed to bring good luck to the newlyweds, or even on grave markers to guide the deceased to peace in the afterlife. Rooted in centuries of human history, superstitions have constantly evolved to meet the needs of changing societies. Surprisingly, barn stars did not always have the same meaning or “power” that is commonly attributed to them today. In fact, Donmoyer argues, “they were part of an agrarian way of life. They were something that was not always related to paranormal things or concepts.” It was only about a century after barn stars first appeared that hexadecimal characters followed and began to appear on barns.
Not all hex signs are the same, and this difference is a fascinating aspect of their history. In 1924, a New England artist named Wallace Nutting visited the Pennsylvania Dutch Country and in a way “misinterpreted” the original quilt squares or barn stars to create hexadecimal characters. Donmoyer explains that “he was describing something real, but what he was describing was misunderstood. He was actually talking about this concept of hexenfoos, not the stars on the barn. He somewhat combined the two aspects of the custom.” In the 1950s, these designs were rediscovered and became a popular tourist attraction. The appearance of stars and blankets on barns throughout Pennsylvania Dutch Country serves as a reminder of the ingenuity, work, and customs of a culture that has long remained distinct from mainstream society. These symbols represent the heritage of culture and tradition passed down from generation to generation. Consequently, despite their reputation for warding off evil, barn stars serve as a decorative reminder of their ancestors and their homeland for the Pennsylvania Dutch.
Barn Stars can provide security
At Kutztown University, Donmoyer oversees the Pennsylvania German Heritage Center. To bring luck to newlyweds, many hexadecimal characters also appeared in other places, such as on marriage licenses, he said. Or on grave markers to help the deceased find peace in the afterlife.
Superstitions have been practiced for millennia and have all evolved to meet the needs of an ever-changing world population. Incredibly, barn stars did not have the same meaning or “power” as is generally believed today. In fact, Donmoyer claims, “They were part of an agrarian way of life. They were something that wasn’t always related to paranormal things or concepts. In fact, about a hundred years after barn stars first appeared, they were taken by the hexadecimal sign.” and they began to appear in the barns.
Not all hexadecimal characters are created equal
A New England artist named Wallace Nutting visited the Pennsylvania Dutch Country in 1924 and “misinterpreted” the original quilt squares or barn stars to create hexadecimal characters. “He was describing something real, but what he was describing was misunderstood,” Donmoyer said. He was actually talking about this concept of hexenfoos, not the stars in the barn. He somewhat combined the two aspects of custom.
These designs were reinvented in the 1950s and were now a popular tourist destination. A reminder of the ingenuity, work, and customs of a culture that has long baffled mainstream society is provided by the appearance of barn stars and quilt squares on barns throughout Pennsylvania Dutch Country. These symbols represent culture and traditions that have been passed down from generation to generation. Consequently, although widely believed to ward off evil, barn stars served the Pennsylvania Dutch as a decorative reminder of their ancestors and their birthplace.
Many cultures have a similar concept.
As already indicated, superstitions have been around for a very long time. Their purpose is to help ward off evil, avoid negative karma, and often promote prosperity and happiness. It should come as no surprise that many tribes and peoples have their own ancient symbols that, like barnacle stars, have been altered to ward off evil and protect homes and families.
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Eye of Horus
Another example is the Egyptian Eye of Horus. Often found on wall art or jewelry from ancient Egypt, the powerful emblem is said to offer protection and healing. Or the Hamsa Hand believed to ward off evil and offer good health, luck, and wealth. It is found in the Middle East and the Mediterranean.
Turtle
Turtles also occupy an honored place in the symbolism of many Native American and African tribes. The turtle is considered a symbol of longevity, wisdom, fertility, and grounding.
Armor of Awe
In Norse mythology, the Helm of Awe, also known as Aegishjalmur, is a symbol said to protect warriors during battle and strike fear into the hearts of their opponents.
Similar yet distinctive
In Norse mythology, the Helm of Awe, also known as Aegishjalmur, is a symbol said to protect warriors during battle and strike fear into the hearts of their opponents.
These examples illustrate the universality of symbols across different cultures, each with its own name and unique interpretation. However, the common thread between them is a desire for protection, prosperity, and well-being that reflects the shared human desire for the safety and happiness of our families and communities.
As our world becomes increasingly interconnected, technological advances allow us to recognize similarities between different nations and civilizations, each with its own set of symbols with distinct meanings. These symbols continue to inspire hope for protection, wealth, and good health while serving as a testament to our ancestors’ aspirations for the future prosperity of our families and communities.
Bursting with beautiful, simple designs, barn stars’ intricate history remains a lasting testament to the heritage and traditions of the Pennsylvania Dutch. Often associated with superstition, these symbols are much more than decorative objects; they represent a cultural heritage that speaks to the enduring human desire for protection and prosperity.
The tangled history of barn stars is full of beautiful, simple patterns. Check out this video for more ideas and instructions: