Star of David

The Star of David (Magen David in Hebrew or Mogen Dovid in Ashkenazi Hebrew, Shield of David, Solomon's Seal, or Seal of Solomon) is a generally recognized symbol of Judaism and Jewish identity. Geometrically it is a hexagram. It is also known colloquially as the Jewish Star. With the establishment of the State of Israel the Jewish Star on the flag of Israel has also become a symbol of Israel.

Other uses

Beer Brewing

As far back as the late 1300s it was customary for brewers, particularly those in Europe to brand or paint a six-point star on the ends of their beer kegs, known as the "brewer's star." The star was hung outside breweries and incorporated into logos for breweries and can still be seen in small village breweries in Bavaria.{{ref|Beerhistory}}{{ref|Bavaria}}

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The origins and association with Judaism is debated, it has been suggested that King David was a brewer. It is known that the star was the official insignia of the Brewer's Guild as early as the 1500s.

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The brewer's star was intended to symbolize purity; that is, a brewer who affixed the insignia to his product was thereby declaring his brew be completely pure of additives, adjuncts, etc. In folklore the six points of the star represented the six aspects of brewing most critical to purity: the water, the hops, the grain, the malt, the yeast, and the brewer.

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Heraldry

In heraldry and to a lesser extent vexillology a "star" is assumed to be a six-sided shape corresponding to a Star of David (but not hollow). The more familiar five-pointed star shape is known as a mullet or molet.

Related Topics:
Heraldry - Vexillology - Mullet

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Red Magen David

Magen David Adom (Red Star of David) is Israel's only official emergency medical, disaster, ambulance and blood bank service, in a fashion similar to the Red Cross and the Red Crescent.

Related Topics:
Magen David Adom - Red Cross - Red Crescent

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Occurrence in Eastern Religions

The Star of David has also been found in cosmological diagrams in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. The reasons behind this symbol's common appearance in Indic religions and the West are lost in the mists of antiquity. One possibility is that they have a common origin, perhaps dating back to the Aryan invasions. Another possibility is that artists and religious people from several cultures independently created the Star of David shape, which after all is a relatively simple and obvious geometric design.

Related Topics:
Hinduism - Buddhism - Jainism - Aryan invasions

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Within Indic lore the shape is generally understood to consist of two triangles--one pointed up and the other down--locked in harmonious embrace. The two components are called 'Om' and the 'Hrim' in Sanskrit, and symbolize man's position between earth and sky. The downward triangle symbolizes Shakti, and the upward triangle symbolizes Shiva. The mystical union of the two triangles represents Creation.

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The two locked triangles are also known as 'Shanmukha' - the six-faced, representing the six faces of Shiva & Shakti's progeny Kartikeya. This symbol is also a part of several yantras and has deep significance in Hindu ritual worship and mythology.

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Latter-day Saints (Mormons)

The Star of David is also used less prominently by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, chiefly in architecture. It symbolizes the Tribes of Israel and friendship and affinity towards the Jewish people. Additionally, some independent LDS theologians such as Jewish-LDS Daniel Rona have further suggested the possibility that the Star of David was actually modeled after the Urim and Thummim, but this is not official doctrine of the Church.

Related Topics:
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - Tribes of Israel - Daniel Rona - Urim and Thummim

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Raelism

Raelism uses a symbol inspired by the Star of David.

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The symbol initially chosen by Claude Vorilhon for his movement was the source of considerable controversy: it resembled a Star of David with the image of a swastika embedded in its center. According to official Raelian statements, the swastika "represents infinity of time, and trace its origins to Sanskrit and Buddhist symbols, to the Chinese character for temple, and to ancient catacombs, mosques, and synagogues."

Related Topics:
Claude Vorilhon - Swastika

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In 1991, the symbol was changed to remove the swastika and deflect public criticism, as well as to gain acceptance in Israel for the building of a Raelian "embassy" to greet anticipated Elohim space vessels.

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