Star of David

noun

1. a hexagram used as a symbol of Judaism.

Star of David

noun

1. an emblem symbolizing Judaism and consisting of a six-pointed star formed by superimposing one inverted equilateral triangle upon another of equal size Also calledMagen David

More About Star of David

What is the Star of David?

The Star of David is a stylized hexagram that is used as a symbol of Judaism.

A hexagram is a six-sided star made by symmetrically overlaying two equilateral triangles, with one point of each triangle facing in opposite directions, as with ✡.

The symbol is used by members of the Jewish faith to represent their religion. It is often displayed on synagogues and Jewish burial markers, as well as on other things. Jewish people sometimes wear a Star of David on a necklace to indicate their faith.

The hexagram became a symbol of David, the second king of Israel, because it was supposedly painted on his shield. Centuries after his death, the Star of David became a symbol of protection and history of the Jewish people, applying the shield metaphor to the protection the faith promises.

Example: Rachel received a lovely necklace with a Star of David for her bat mitzvah.

Where does the Star of David come from?

The first records of the symbol term Star of David come from around the 1890s. Star refers to the shape of the symbol, and David refers to the second king of Israel, who died in c. 970 BCE. The first records of the symbol itself are unknown, but the first records of usage of it by Jews to symbolize their faith come from the 1600s.

The hexagram had been used as a mystical, magical icon for centuries but became known as the Star of David after medieval Jews interpreted the Jewish sacred scriptures’ term Magen David as the hexagram imprinted on David’s shield. In the 1100s, Jewish mystics began printing the Star of David on buildings, clothing, and commodities as a way to protect against evil.

During World War II, the Germans forced German Jews to wear a yellow Star of David to identify themselves as Jews. Despite this, the symbol remained important to Jews, with Israel adopting a national flag featuring the Star of David in the center in 1948. Jews worldwide continue to use it as a symbol of their faith.

Did you know … ?

What are some synonyms for the Star of David?

• Magen David
• Mogen David
• Shield of David

What are some words that share a root or word element with the Star of David?

• star
• David

What are some words that often get used in discussing the Star of David?

• Israel
• Jewish
• religion
• symbol

How is the Star of David discussed in real life?

The Star of David is almost always discussed in reference to the Jewish faith.

Louis Armstrong wore a Star of David pendant for most of his life, until the day he died, to honor the Jewish family that had taken him in and cared for him as a child.

— UberFacts (@UberFacts) July 30, 2019

It would have been unimaginable only weeks ago to see Israeli officials exit a Star of David-adorned jetliner in the United Arab Emirates and walk down a red carpet on the tarmac. But that's what happened last Monday, marking a first for the countries.

— NPR (@NPR) September 7, 2020

My connecting flight is full of young people wearing @IDF sweatshirts, Hebrew Coca Cola T-shirts, and Star of David pendants. @Birthright season is upon us! 🇮🇱

— Avi Mayer אבי מאיר (@AviMayer) May 19, 2019