The symbol of the six-pointed star originated in antiquity, and appears to have been used by several cultures, including the Jews. It’s considered that in these early years, the symbol was used as a magical ornament in pagan religions, along with the five-pointed star. Several ancient hexagrams exist, used as decorative motifs in architecture. It was also used in Jewish contexts but as a decorative design and not as a symbol of the faith.

Around the 11th century, the six-pointed star was used more frequently in Jewish contexts and had possibly acquired significance as a meaningful symbol. The hexagram makes appearances in important Jewish texts and manuscripts from this time.

But it was only around the 17th century onwards that the Star of David became more prominently used to identify Jewish synagogues and parts of the city, becoming a symbol of Jewish identity. Several Jewish communities around the world adopted it as their official symbol, starting with Poland where a hexagram denoted the Jewish area. In 1897, the Zionist movement chose the Star of David as its official emblem. By the 19th century, the Star of David had become the most recognizable Jewish symbol, much like the cross for Christians.

Star of David History

The Star of David is a geometrically simple design, made by overlaying two equilateral triangles on each other to create a six-pointed star or hexagram.

There is no consensus on the exact symbolism and meaning of the Star of David, as several interpretations exist. As mentioned above, the earliest uses of the hexagram appear to be related to pagan religions and used as a magical or simply decorative ornament.

However, in the Jewish faith, the Star of David can be said to have the following interpretations:

• One interpretation states that the two interlocking triangles represent the totality of the Jewish experience – the three points of one star representing creation, revelation and redemption while the corners of the other star represent Man, the World and God.
• The symbol is also called the Shield of David, referring to the divine protection of King David. As such, it signifies God as the protector and deliverer of David and by extension, his people.
• According to the Kabbalah (the Jewish tradition of mystical interpretation of the Bible), the six points and the center of the Star of David represent the 7 emotional attributes – kindness, severity, harmony, perseverance, splendor, royalty and foundation. The foundation is at the center and all other attributes come from this.
• In Hindu contexts, the hexagram is believed to represent the merging of male and female components. It was also believed to represent the elements of fire and water.
• Mormon architecture uses the hexagram as a representation of the union of heaven and earth. Accordingly, the symbol represents humans reaching upwards towards God, while God reaches down towards humans.

There are significant differences between the pentagram and the Star of David, in terms of meaning and design. The main design difference is that the Star of David has six points, whereas the pentagram is a five-pointed star drawn in one continuous line. When the pentagram is set within a circle, it becomes a pentacle .

The upright pentagram, with a single point facing upward, is an ancient symbol used by many cultures and religions in history, including Christians, pagans and Wiccans. To ancient Greeks, it symbolized perfection and the five elements – earth, air, fire, spirit and water. To ancient Hebrews, the pentagram represented the Pentateuch, or the five books of the Torah. Pentagrams are used to symbolize the Star of Bethlehem. Pentagrams are also used on several flags, including the American and Australian flags.

However, today there’s controversy related to the pentagram. The inverted pentagram, and more specifically the pentacle, are associated with Satanism and the occult . As such, both the inverted pentagram and pentacle have become symbols of darkness, evil and devil worshipping. However, the upright pentacle is used by the Wiccans as a symbol of protection and have no relation to devil worship.

So, while the pentagram has had some negative associations, it’s not to be confused with the Star of David.