When enjoying the views of rural farmland, you’ll likely see many barn sides decorated with five-point stars. While these stars have been a mainstay of down-home country decor for decades, they have an interesting Germanic history.
View this post on Instagram
In Germany, these metal five-point stars are believed to bring good luck. If you notice many of these stars on the sides of barns as you drive through an area, there’s a good chance you’re in a hotbed of Germanic heritage.
View this post on Instagram
Many have heard of the old German idea of hanging a horseshoe on a barn to keep unwanted spirits and energy away from the farm. The tradition of hanging five-point metal stars on barns got started with a similar mentality. Some German farmers would paint intricate stars on their barns. These barn-side stars were called “hex signs.” This terminology was derived from the German term “hexe,” meaning “witch.”
View this post on Instagram
Over time, it became more convenient to purchase pre-made stars, rather than spending hours painting a detailed design on the side of a barn. Stars-for-purchase were made with roofing tin, which provided a rusty look.
Today, barn stars are as likely to be seen on the side of a barn as in the home of Americana decor enthusiasts across the country.
Watch this unique video below about the intricate barn stars painted by the Pennsylvania Dutch.