Why are there Rusty Stars on The Sides of Homes in Eastern PA?

Answer 1

The tradition of the barn star in America can be traced back to the 1700’s, and to at least the 1820’s in Pennsylvania. Barn stars were most popular after the Civil War. On many older American barns, particularly German farms, one could see a large decoration in the shape of a star mounted on the face of the barn. Sometimes they were just aesthetic, but sometimes they represented the trademark of a specific barn builder. It is my understanding the original star shape was a three-pointed star but has changed throughout the years. Colors had significance with Amish and Pennsylvania Dutch barn paintings. These folk art designs, many of which were star shaped, were painted directly onto each end of the barn, and date back to the 1850’s.

Black - Protection, also used to blend or bind elements together;
Red - Emotions, passion, charisma, lust and also creativity.
White - Purity, power of the moon, allows energy to flow freely.
Blue - Protection, peace, calmness and spirituality;
Green - Growth, fertility, success in things and ideas that grow.
Yellow - Health in body and mind, love of man and the sun, connection to the God.
Brown - Mother earth, also can mean friendship and strength.
Orange - Abundance in career, projects and matters needing an added push.
Violet - Things that are sacred.

Answer 2

Those rusty stars are made from the metal roofs of the barns out there. It has religious meaning and give the farmer hope and good luck.

Answer 3

This isn't just a PA thing, I live in Rhode Island, and have noticed many in RI and Massachusetts. I thought it was just a home decoration. Maybe there is more meaning to it.

Answer 4

It sounds to me like rust staining from non galvanized siding nails.

Rev. Steven

Answer 5

because those people are cooler than you