The architectural countryside of West Texas holds much diversity.  There is the Mexican and Spanish influence. There is a definite Native American influence.  Last but not least, there is traditional American influences.

That is where you find the tradition of stars on barns and homes.

So, where did the stars on barns and homes originate?  Many believe the stars originated with the Chinese. Many in ancient China considered these "good luck stars".

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Here in the United States, they are called Amish barn stars, Barnstars and Pennsylvania Stars. Originally, the stars came to America via German settlers who came to Pennsylvania between 1727 and 1775. The stars eventually became more popular after the Civil War and we're often called "unifying stars" They were believed to be patriotic.  They were also believed to manifest good fortune.

While these stars are more commonly seen in the northeastern part of the United States, settlers in Texas brought the stars and they are pretty widely distributed here on barns and homes.  The stars are said to have special meanings depending on their colors.  These are explained by a post on metalbarnstars.com

Black: means protection or to bind or blend elements together

Blue: means protection, peace, calmness and spirituality

Brown: means mother earth, also friendship and strength

Green: means growth, fertility, success in things and ideas that grow

Orange: means abundance in career, projects and matters needing an extra push

Red: means emotions, passion, charisma, lust and creativity

Violet: means sacred

White: means power of the moon, allows energy to flow freely

Yellow: means health in body and mind, love of man and the sun, a deep connection to God.

 

In 2007, a rumor began circulating that the stars meant that "swingers live here". It might be true of a few isolated stars on homes or barns, but it is not generally recognized.  The most universally recognized symbol of that is the upside down pineapple.  That is the subject of a whole "nother" story.

 

Here in Texas, we are the "Lone Star State" afterall.  A star on your barn or house could just be a symbol of Texas Pride.  As such, stars are a great gift. They look great on houses and barns and they definitely inspire questions and conversation. Since some of the stars were originally "hex" symbols, meaning they were hung to bring luck, it might be a great idea have at least one posted on your property.  Nowadays, we an use all the luck we can get.

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