Moravian Stars: Holiday Decoration with a Rich Tradition

Posted by Anna Applegate on 25 November 2011 | 3 Comments

Tags: holiday, decor

The Moravian Star has been a staple in holiday décor for almost 200 years, donning the tops of Christmas trees and lighting front porches throughout the world during the month of December.

Originating in 1830 at a Moravian boys’ school in Germany, most likely for the purpose of a geometry lesson, the star quickly became an Advent symbol for the Moravian church. Today it’s used as a representation of the Star of Bethlehem and is especially popular in strong Moravian communities in places such as Germany, the West Indies, Greenland, Suriname, Central America, South and East Africa, parts of India and Scandinavia, and in the United States, especially in North Carolina’s own Moravian-founded Winston-Salem.

Incorporating Moravian stars into your holiday décor is both a unique and affordable way to spice up your annual holiday trimmings. A Moravian star can be added to the top of your tree or hung on your porch to provide extra depth, interest, and light. They can also be arranged on a table surface as an unexpected centerpiece.

Despite their ancient tradition, Moravian stars work well with both classic and contemporary décor, truly providing a universal holiday decoration for any home’s style.

In addition to making a unique impact on your holiday decorating, Moravian stars work well as year-round light fixtures, both in your home’s interior and exterior. Whether hung alone or in multiples, these chandeliers offer an unexpected shape, casual elegance, and interesting display of light to any space in your house.

But back to holiday trimmings, since the season is upon us. Are you ready to add a Moravian star to your home’s decorations? You can find them at www.oldsalem.com/category/moravian_stars. Located in Winston-Salem, Old Salem Museums and Gardens is a Moravian-founded community that retains many of its original buildings, dating back to as early as 1766.  In addition to tours of this historical community, Old Salem offers an interactive, educational step back into early American history through their Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts (MESDA), award winning restored gardens, hands-on workshops, and fun family events and shopping. It’s a real asset to our state and a magical place to visit around the holidays. For more information, visit www.oldsalem.com.