German Culture: The Moravian Star

The Moravian Star is a German star that was originally used in church boarding schools for boys (Moravian Boys School in Niesky, Germany) to help with Geometry lessons, however the German Moravian Star (sometimes known as the Herrnhut star) has even deeper meaning. Originating in Moravia ~ Germany, these stars are frequently illuminated for Advent, Christmas and Epiphany. Some of them are made out of paper, others out of blown glass, or even different medals. The Moravian Star has at least 26 points, 32, 50, 62 and 110 points. The stars are grounded in a polyhedra symmetrical shape. The Moravian Star is a representation of the Star of Bethlehem. The Moravian star is a cultural and faith icon for the Moravian communities. This star also represents the coming of the three wise men to visit the Christ-Child. In this cultural tradition, the star represents the coming of the Light into the Darkness, and the light overcoming darkness.

While the original stars were derived in a math class, the boys who first made these, took them home, and made more for their families, to hang in their homes. Eventually the schools decided to sell the stars in their bookstore. These first stars were made in rotating spindles of red and white. Eventually they were created and sold in a factory.

While you can find special designers who make these stars in states, you can also find these stars manufactured in Herrnhut, Germany where the original Moravian/Herrnhut stars were created. In the FrauenKirche in Dresden and over the altar of the Thomaskirche where Johann Sebastian Bach is buried in Leipzig - stars align the sky. The paper stars themselves are considered a form of German origami, while the stained glass versions are considered a form of precision and illumination in artistry and craft.

One of the largest Moravian stars can be found in Konigsfeld in Germany’s Black Forest, with 110 points. This star is hung in Moravian churches during the advent season, and Moravians will usually display one on their porches or in their window.

For More information on the Moravian Star please the the book: Morning Star, O Cheering Sight by: Comenius-Buchhandlung GmbH. The story of the special star is discussed, as well as the in-depth meaning behind the star, the creation of the star, the star factory, as well as the journey of the star.

~ Additional reflection of what this has to do with today ~ while writing this article I am aware it is the lenten season and we are journeying through what people are calling a pandemic~today, I encourage all not to lose sight of what is most important: true north, the star, and light… Christ came in the darkness and Overcame it.. Christ’s coming was heralded by the star. How are you bringing Christ to others today and being Christlike to others today? What are you holding true to? How is this illuminated in your relationship with Christ, as well as those you love in your life, and in society? What does that look like, concretely for you today? What are some things you would like to change and make different? How can you live your faith more fully and more authentically?

Resources on how to make your own Moravian Star:

https://www.origami-resource-center.com/moravian-star.html

https://www.norfolkcollegiate.org/file/MORAVIAN-STAR-INSTRUCTIONS.pdf

Please find images and examples of the Moravian Star below as well as the Moravian and German community and other faith communities in Lititz, Pennsylvania:

#GermanCulture #Ecumenics