The Amish Barn Star, also known as a barn star or hex sign, is a symbol rich in history and meaning. If you want to learn more about this Amish symbol, keep on reading this quick guide.
Origins of The Amish Barn Star
The barn star first appeared in the United States between the 18th and 19th centuries, particularly among German-American farming communities in Pennsylvania, including the Amish, Mennonite, and Lutheran groups.
Barnstars were originally symbols to recognize a builder’s work, kind of like a “job well done” badge.
Over time, people started using them more as a design feature and a symbol of good luck rather than their original purpose. So, they shifted from being about recognizing skill to just being a decoration.
The first Amish barn star was a three-pointed star. In the 1970s, craftsmen began using roofing tiles to give the stars a rough finish, and later, thin sheets of steel became popular for creating these decorative pieces.
Today, these stars are often left unpainted to achieve a rustic look.
What Do the Amish Barn Stars Mean?
For many Amish people, the Amish Barn Star is a symbol of good luck and protection, similar to hanging a horseshoe over a door.
Imagine you have a lucky charm, like a rabbit’s foot or a four-leaf clover, that you keep around for good vibes. Well, for the Amish, their version of that charm is the Barn Star.
For some other Amish folks, the star is simply seen as another rustic decoration, or a piece of their cultural heritage.
These stars can be as small as a door decoration or as big as a barn ornament.
By the way, you can buy Amish barn stars online to use as decorations for your home. With a few clicks, you can add Amish style to your space using these lucky symbols.