What That Star on a House Actually Signifies

This story was originally reported in January 2021.
In late December 2020, a viral social media claim suggested that homes displaying five-pointed stars were secretly signaling that the residents were “swingers.” The rumor spread quickly, but investigations found no evidence to support it. In fact, the claim can be traced back to an old 2007 message board post, not any verified source.

The stars in question are commonly known as barn stars or Amish barn stars. Far from carrying any hidden message, they are traditional decorative symbols most often associated with Pennsylvania Dutch homes. The Pennsylvania Dutch are an American cultural group with roots in southern Germany, and these stars are part of their long-standing heritage.