The Meaning of a Moravian Star
The Moravian Church proclaims that the Moravian star represents "the star of promise, the star of fulfillment, and the star of hope." (See References 1) Traditionally made with 26 points, today's versions display anywhere from six to 100 points. They can be small or large, illuminated or not, and appear in a variety of color combinations. Now enjoyed by people of many denominations, the Moravian star has been a Christmas symbol whose meaning was originally given by its Moravian inventors. (See References 2) Does this Spark an idea?
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Who are the Moravians?
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Some background on the Moravian Church allows for understanding the star's meaning. The name Moravian refers to the religion's origins in Bohemia and Moravia (now the Czech Republic). John Hus (1369-1415), called "the foremost of Czech reformers" by the Moravian Church, began protesting the Roman Catholic Church's practices of ecclesiastical jurisdiction in the area. Although Hus was burned at the stake for heresy, his followers continued his reformation and founded the Moravian Church or Unity of Brethren. (See References 3)
Educational Symbolism
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A geometry lesson The Moravian star's original meaning was educational rather than religious. Amy Leiser, Executive Director of the Monroe County Historical Association in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, explains that the stars were used as "craft projects to help demonstrate geometry lessons to young boys" at the Moravian Boys' School in Niesky, Germany. The first star was created around 1850, and 30 years later, a graduate of the Moravian school, Pieter Verbeek, began to sell the stars commercially. (See References 2)
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Advent Symbol
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A symbol of Advent Adopted by the Moravian church as a symbol of Advent, the period leading up to Christmas, the star is the first decoration of the Christmas season, according to Leiser. The star is displayed beginning the first Sunday of Advent and "remains up until the Epiphany, January 6, or the time of the coming of the Magi." (See References 2) Moravian Bishop Allen W. Schattschneider (best known for his history of the Moravian church, "Through Five Hundred Years") explains, "it is in the first place, a prophetic symbol for the advent of our Lord, and so is used during the weeks which precede Christmas Eve." (See References 4)
Symbol of Jesus Christ
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A symbol of Jesus Christ While the star represents the anticipation of Jesus, it also symbolizes Christ himself. The Moravian Church notes that Jesus said, "I am the bright and Morning Star." (See References 1) Schattschneider adds that "on Christmas Eve, and on the day of our Lord's birth, the Star takes on added significance, for then it becomes a symbol of our blessed Lord Himself." (See References 4)
Other Symbolism
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Numerous other religious meanings are attached to the star in the Moravian Church, which notes, "whatever its form, the star reminds us of God, who caused the light to shine out of darkness and of the light which is the life of humanity." The church attaches an Old Testament meaning from the Bible, declaring that the star "reminds us of the promise of Abraham that his descendants would be more numerous than the stars" and finally, the star refers the "great and heavenly light from Bethlehem's manger shining bright" that led the Magi to Jesus. (See References 4) But for all who celebrate Christmas, the Moravian star has come to represent the holiday season in general. (See References 2)
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