Moravian Stars

About Moravian Stars

Moravian stars are traditionally an Advent season decoration. Originating in the 1830s in Niesky, Germany as a geometry lesson for students of a Moravian boys’ school. They have since spread worldwide, and are popular as decorations for more than just the Christmas season.

The Beginnings of my Moravian Stars

My grandmother had a Moravian star that she put up every Christmas. Of all the decorations, it fascinated me the most with its soothing light and pleasing geometric shape. One day, while moving some furniture, I had the misfortune (or perhaps fortune) of bumping into the star and breaking it. The plastic had gotten brittle with age. I had recently purchased a 3D printer and thought I’d try my hand and making a replacement for the part I broke. I was successful at making a replacement part, but looking at the star disassembled had me wondering if I could make it better. As an exercise in design, 3D printing, and just for fun, I continued to modify and improve on the original design. Eventually I did a rather large overhaul of the design, making it something new entirely, while still maintaining the original Moravian star shape. A bit to my surprise, my little exercise garnered some interest and some individuals requested stars for their own.

My Moravian Stars Today

I have since refined my original 14″ design, as well as come up with a 22″ and 6″ version. They come in a variety of colors (really any color I can get plastic for). They are available for sale at the Cameron County Mercantile. I have a booth at the Potter County Farmer’s Market as well. Also worth noting, I am currently doing fundraising for Ukraine. Any stars stylized in the blue and yellow of the Ukrainian flag will have a portion of the proceeds donated to Olga and John Snyder’s Saving Ukraine Fund. If you have a star that needs assembled, please check out my assembly instructions.