Published: November 08, 2009 12:13 am      

Moravian stars workshop brings an old tradition to life

Growing up with a Lutheran background, Elaine Bliss often admired the special Christmas tree ornaments at her grandparents’ house.

“They were all white and had been dipped in wax before glitter was added to make them all shiny and fascinating,” Bliss said.

She knew them as German stars, but later came to realize the decorations that can be made from paper or fabric are also known as Moravian stars. They’re also called Swedish stars or Froebel Stars, named after Friedrick Frobel, the German educator who invented them.

According to information from several Web sites, the first Moravian star is thought to have originated in the 1830s at the Moravian School in Niesky, Germany. Most likely, the design was used as a geometry lesson. The first mention refers to a 110-point star that was given in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of the Paedagogium, a classical school for boys in Niesky.

An alumnus of the school began making the stars and copied instructions for sale through a bookstore he owned. His son founded the Herrnhut Star Factory, which became the main source of stars until World War I.

The Moravian star was adopted throughout the Moravian Church as an Advent symbol, and today is seen among Moravian congregations throughout the world.

To some, they represent the Star of Bethlehem recorded in the biblical account of the birth of Jesus Christ.

There are many forms of Moravian stars, but the most widely used are the 26-point form composed of 18 square and eight triangular cone-shaped points.

“They require some concentration to make, although once you get the hang of it, it’s fairly simple,” Bliss said. “Some of the patterns may be a little too much for small children, but adults could bring a child and sit with them while they make one. It’s a nice way to have some special time together with a child during the holidays.”

There are Moravian Stars with 20, 26, 32, 50, 64 and 110 points that are commonly made in Moravian schools.

“These make-and-take workshops have become popular over the years,” the artisan in residence at Tamarack said. “I think people are looking for something fun to do during the holidays, and these workshops provide an opportunity for families or friends to come and make something together.”

The cost of the workshop is $10 per person for a one-hour session.

Several workshops will be held throughout the holiday season.

- Nov. 27-29: Doug Coleman will guide a workshop through a design and sandblasting process to make a glass gift or ornament. The cost is $10 for the 30-to-60-minute workshop. Workshops will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day.

- Dec. 4-6: Moravian Star workshops between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. each day

- Dec. 11-13: Make your own etched glass gift or ornament with Doug Coleman. The cost is $10 for the 30-to-60-minute workshop. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day.

- Dec. 18-20: Make a stained glass Christmas ornament with Amanda Short. Supplies will be available, and workshops will be held between 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day.

— E-mail: bdavis@register-herald.com