Enduring Moravian stars available at local church
The electric star is white plastic and available in two sizes: 21 inches for $30 and 12 inches for $25. The smaller star is designed to be used as a tree topper or hanging star.
The First Moravian Church at Dover will offer Moravian stars for purchase from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
The Moravian star is one of the most enduring traditions in the Tuscarawas Valley, glowing brightly throughout the Advent and Christmas seasons. The Moravian star is a reminder of the celestial star that led the wise men from their home in the distant east to Bethlehem, where they presented gifts to the Christ child. It also symbolizes the Christ child.
The star was traditionally made in Moravian boarding schools in the 19th century during the Advent season. Because of this, historians have assumed that the making of stars may have been a math lesson where students learned to draw and make geometrical shapes from paper. One of the shapes was a pyramid. By gluing the pyramids together, a multi-point star was created.
The electric star is white plastic and available in two sizes: 21 inches for $30 and 12 inches for $25. The smaller star is designed to be used as a tree topper or hanging star. Complete instructions for assembly are included.
The First Moravian Church is located at 319 N. Walnut St. in Dover.