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I love the first signs of Christmas in Winston-Salem, NC, when Moravian stars light up porches, line the streets of downtown, and a giant 31-foot Moravian star, one of the largest in the world, is installed atop the tower of Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center, shining like a beacon. The one-of-a kind star has 27 points that range in length from 7 to 11 feet and weigh from 30 to 65 pounds each. Each of the 27 points is illuminated by a 100 watt bulb. Have you ever wondered about the origins of the star?
The Moravian star is an illuminated star-shaped lantern, most commonly having 26-points. It is an emblem for the Moravian Protestant faith and is used for advent and Christmas decorations. It is popular in Old Salem (Winston-Salem, NC) and throughout Moravian settlements, and in Germany & Europe, where there are Moravian congregations.
Birth Of The Moravian Star
The star is widely believed to have originated at the Moravian Boy’s School in Niesky, Germany, in the 1830s as a geometry lesson. However, the diary of George F. Bahnson (former school attendee and minister in the NC Moravian settlements of Bethania and (Old) Salem) cited that Christian Madsen, a former student of the Moravian Boy’s School, constructed the first Moravian star for the school’s 50th anniversary and Christmas celebration in 1820.
The star was adopted by the Moravian Church as an advent symbol and has grown in popularity to countries and communities without Moravian congregations. The Moravian star is a common fixture in nativity scenes, or putz, to represent the Star of Bethlehem.
Beginning in absolute darkness the Moravian Star hung high in the sanctuary begins to glow as a solo voice and the choir in hushed tones sings the familiar German “Stille Nacht, heilege Nacht!” The choir with organ and orchestra leads with hymns and anthems in the manner of Singstunde, wonderfully combining music and the Word. At the height of the musical experience a child leads in the antiphonal hymn, “Morning Star, O Cheering Sight.”
LitizMoravian.org
Colors Of The Star
The white Moravian star is the one you’ll commonly encounter, but did you know the first star had alternating red and white points? Over the years Moravian stars have also included red and yellow, white and yellow, and a yellow “starburst” with a red center.
Symbol And Meaning
According to Moravian tradition, the star itself symbolizes Jesus Christ who was born to be the Light of the World. The many points reach out to all mankind in all parts of the world.
Where To Buy
Where’s the best place to get a Moravian star? Well, if you’re local to Winston-Salem, most definitely in Old Salem. There’s plenty of other retailers around town (and local artists and artisans) that will have them on hand, especially during the holidays.
If you’re out of town or having trouble finding one, you can also get them easily on Amazon at the Kringle Traditions Store. It’s available in many colors, and we’ve posted assembly instructions below. And if you get stuck, just ask us in the comments!
How To Assemble
Assembly instructions are almost always included when you purchase a star. The visual below illustrates how to assemble most stars in two simple steps.
Mass Production
Around 1880, Peter Verbeek, an alumnus of the Moravian Boy’s School, began making the paper stars and sold them in his bookstore. His son Harry founded the Herrnhut Star Factory in nearby Herrnhut, Germany, which produced the stars in tin and glass, as well as paper versions. He still makes them today, even out of plastic. In Germany, they are known as Herrnhut stars.
In Old Salem
During World War I, the Herrnhut factory was damaged and had to close for a while. However, demand for Moravian stars in American Christmas decorations continued. So Moravians in Old Salem (a historical village in Winston-Salem, NC) began producing them for sale. Writer Winifred Kirkland wrote an account of a visit to Old Salem during Christmas that included a picture of the “Star-Makers House.” They are still made and sold in Old Salem today as paper ornaments, plastic porch lights, and as metal and glass lanterns.
Heritage Bridge, the 120-foot covered span between the Visitor’s Center and the village of Old Salem, is filled with glowing Moravian Stars and is a beautiful sight to see anytime. At Christmas, though, it brings a sense of holiday cheer and is a gorgeous backdrop for a Christmas photo.
Around The World
A massive Moravian star shines in the dome of the Frauenkirche in Dresden, Germany, and over the alter of Thomaskirche in Leipzig, Germany, where Johann Sebastian Bach is buried.
Moravian Star Lighting In Winston-Salem
Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center holds its annual Moravian Star Lighting Celebration in early December each year. The event is free and open to the public and officially marks the beginning of the holiday season in Winston-Salem. There is a brief worship service, and the Community Moravian Band provides music during the event, during which hot cider and Moravian cookies are served.
Moravian Candle Tea
Now that you know all about the Moravian star, get ready for one of the year’s most anticipated events. The Moravian candle tea at Old Salem has been a Winston-Salem Christmas tradition since 1929. Participants experience the sights, sounds, smells, and even the tastes of early Moravian Christmas traditions.
How do you feel about the Moravian Star as a Christmas symbol? Tell us about it in the comments.
