Moravian Star 101: Meaning, History, & Decorating Tips
October 20, 2026
If you’re anything like us, you love looking at Christmas lights during the holiday season. Nothing can beat watching a house covered in lights flash along to the beat of the radio station. But along with string lights, icicles, and inflatables, you might also find a glowing star hanging from a neighbor’s porch. Chances are, it’s a Moravian star.
What is it? What does it mean? What’s the history? Today we’re going to explain it all and share the best places to buy a Moravian star of your own, so you can bring home a piece of tradition!
What is a Moravian Star?
A Moravian star is a decoration seen around Christmastime that traditionally has 26 points. Most have a light source inside to set them aglow. The stars look quite complex, but they are actually formed from only two different shapes.
1). A rhombicuboctahedron: The central shape made up of 18 square faces and 8 triangular faces.
2). Pyramids: These shoot out from the center, with either a square or triangular base, to form the star’s 26 points.
Origin of Moravian Stars
Moravian stars (also called Herrnhut stars) were born in Niesky, Germany in the 1830s. Students at a Moravian boarding school created them as a lesson in geometry and symmetry. But since then, missionaries of the Moravian church have carried the stars throughout the world. Now they are a religious symbol, representing the divine light of Christ overcoming darkness.
Most people put theirs on display on the first Sunday of Advent (the fourth Sunday before Christmas). This year, that’s on November 29, 2026. You take them down on Epiphany (January 6).
However, over time the Moravian star has become a general symbol of Christmas, representing peace, hope, and community to all people. Many love the star so much they keep it up year-round!
But if the origin of Moravian stars was in Germany, what is their connection to Pennsylvania? We’re so glad you asked!
Some of the Moravian Church’s first American settlements were in Pennsylvania towns like Lititz, Nazareth, and Bethlehem. In fact, the first written evidence of Moravian stars made its way to America and is now part of the Moravian Archives in Bethlehem, PA. They have a deep-rooted Pennsylvania history, and we’re proud to continue the tradition here at Stauffers.
What’s the Difference Between Moravian Stars and Bethlehem Stars?
This is a question we hear often! While they are both star symbols featured in the winter, there are some subtle differences to know.
Moravian Stars
- 26 points
- All points are the same length
- Represents Christ’s light or general holiday hope and peace
- Started in Germany in the 1800s
Bethlehem Stars:
- Fewer points
- Top and bottom rays are elongated
- Represents the star of Bethlehem that guided the Magi to baby Jesus
- The symbol became popular in the 1930s in Bethlehem, PA
Types of Moravian Stars
These stars come in all different sizes and colors. Building them has become a time-honored tradition, but the best stars are locally made and hand-assembled.
Color Options
- White: The most common color to symbolize purity and Jesus’ baby swaddling.
- Red: Represents the blood of Christ.
- Other Colorways: Yellow, gold, blue, green, or multi-colored stars.
Number of Points
- 26 points: The traditional shape of a Moravian star.
- 20 points: A simplified star for smaller displays.
- Other varieties: 32, 50, 62, and even 110 points for larger displays and churches.
Material
- Paper: The original stars were made of folded paper and glue, best for indoor use.
- Plastic or Wood: For weather-resistant modern stars that are great to hang outdoors.
- Metal or Glass: For a pendant-style if you want a striking light fixture in your home.
Buy Your Own Moravian Star
Visit your nearest Stauffers of Kissel Hill to find Moravian stars for sale, each one locally made. Our Christmas Shop has everything you need for the holiday season, so stop by today!
How to Decorate With Moravian Stars
Moravian star decor is a staple for a reason! Their simple yet intricate design makes them a perfect Christmas element both in and out of Moravian communities. They complement several styles, so no matter how you like to decorate for Christmas, there’s room for a Moravian star.
Porch Lights
One of our favorite ways to decorate with Moravian stars is to hang them on the porch (or a nearby tree). We recommend a larger size—like our 18-inch, 24-inch, or 36-inch pre-assembled stars—for the greatest impact. These will cast an ambient light on your porch for the perfect holiday glow.
Window Decor
Our next recommendation for hanging Moravian stars is to put them in your window. At night, they will catch the eye of anyone who drives past, giving your home a cottage feel. This is good for any-sized star!
Tree Topper
Want to get creative with your Christmas tree this year? Use a Moravian star Christmas tree topper! This works best for smaller models like our 10-inch pre-assembled star.
Indoor Pendants
Hanging Moravian stars can also make gorgeous year-round light fixtures. Place them in the corner of your room for a cozy glow in the evenings and fun decor during the day.
Ornaments and Accessories
If you have smaller, handheld stars, you can hang them on your Christmas tree or attach them to a wreath. They complement woodland decor styles extremely well.
Frequently Asked Questions About Moravian Stars
Do I have to be religious to have a Moravian star?
Not at all! While these stars are traditionally tied to religion and have certain religious associations, they are still beautiful decorations for people of any belief or background.
What does a Moravian star mean?
A Moravian star has both religious and secular meanings. Traditionally, it represents Christ’s light in the darkness. But more modern stars are used by all kinds of people, representing community, hope, and peace during the holidays.
Where can I buy Moravian stars?
We have Moravian stars for sale at our Stauffers of Kissel Hill Home & Garden Centers. We have locations in Lititz, Lancaster, York, Dover, Mechanicsburg, Linglestown, and Hummelstown to cover all your Central PA Moravian star needs. Check out what’s on sale this week!
What are other names for Moravian stars?
Moravian stars are also referred to as:
- Lititz stars
- Advent stars
- Christmas stars
- Herrnhut stars
- Herrnhuter sterne
Fun fact! The first Moravian stars were manufactured in Herrnhut, Germany, the headquarters of the Moravian Church.
When should you hang Moravian stars?
Everyone has their own opinion about when you should start putting up Christmas decorations. Some people decorate the day after Thanksgiving, while others wait until the week before Christmas. Everyone has an opinion on when decorations should come down, too.
According to Moravian tradition, the star should be displayed from the first Sunday in Advent, which is the fourth Sunday before Christmas. They remain up until Epiphany, January 6. That being said, many people find the star so beautiful that they hang it on their front porch or in a window all year long—and we don’t blame them!
Light Up Your Home For The Holidays
Visit our Christmas Shop and find everything from Moravian stars to fresh greens, artificial trees, wreaths, Christmas lights, and gift ideas. It’s Central PA’s most complete Christmas Shop!