Late in December 2020, a shocking social media post went viral on the internet. It said that homes with five-pointed stars were secret signals for “swingers,” a word often used to describe couples who switch partners. However, our investigation did not find any solid proof to back up this claim. Some people started this rumor after reading something on the StrippersOnline message board in 2007. This was reported by the news and entertainment site Distractify.
These stars, especially the metal ones with five points that are sometimes used to decorate homes, are more commonly known as barn stars or “Amish barn stars.” Even though they are important, it has nothing to do with the fact that residents are swingers. The Voice, a news station in Ontario, Canada, said that these stars are most often seen on the homes of Pennsylvania Dutch families. The Pennsylvania Dutch are an American group of people who came from southern Germany and settled in the U.S. They love these stars because they represent tradition and heritage.
A Pennsylvania newspaper called The Morning Call said that these stars may have different meanings depending on who you ask. Most of the time, they are thought to bring good luck and keep you safe. Some people even think that the color of the star means something different.
Doing a quick search online shows that barn stars are easy to find and are often used as decorations, especially in Pennsylvania. To be clear, though, putting up a barn star is not a signal or invitation for people looking for different or unconventional relationships.
People may have been interested in and raised their eyebrows at the social media rumor, but the real story behind these stars is steeped in tradition and holds great cultural significance. These are examples of the heritage of Pennsylvania Dutch families, and they have nothing to do with any secret messaging systems for people who want to date outside of marriage.
It’s important to put an end to false rumors and look at the real cultural and historical meanings of symbols like the barn star. This way, we can enjoy and honor the many traditions and meanings that make up the rich tapestry of American culture without believing false stories. The barn star, which is a sign of heritage and good luck, keeps shining brightly without any shady meanings.