Category: History & Society
- Hebrew:
- Magen David (“Shield of David”), Magen
- Also spelled:
- Mogen
- Related Topics:
- religious symbolism and iconography
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Star of David, Jewish symbol composed of two overlaid equilateral triangles that form a six-pointed star. It appears on synagogues, Jewish tombstones, and the flag of the State of Israel. The symbol—which historically was not limited to use by Jews—originated in antiquity, when, side by side with the five-pointed star, it served as a magical sign or as a decoration. In the Middle Ages the Star of David appeared with greater frequency among Jews but did not assume any special religious significance; it is found as well on some medieval cathedrals. The term Magen David, which in Jewish liturgy signifies God as the protector (shield) of David, gained currency among medieval Jewish mystics, who attached magical powers to King David’s shield just as earlier (non-Jewish) magical traditions had referred to the five-pointed star as the “seal of Solomon.” Kabbalists popularized the use of the symbol as a protection against evil spirits. The Jewish community of Prague was the first to use the Star of David as its official symbol, and from the 17th century on the six-pointed star became the official seal of many Jewish communities and a general sign of Judaism, though it has no biblical or Talmudic authority. The star was almost universally adopted by Jews in the 19th-century as a striking and simple emblem of Judaism in imitation of the cross of Christianity. The yellow badge that Jews were forced to wear in Nazi-occupied Europe invested the Star of David with a symbolism indicating martyrdom and heroism.
The Editors of Encyclopaedia BritannicaThis article was most recently revised and updated by Adam Augustyn.
As an enthusiast deeply immersed in the study of religious symbolism and iconography, particularly that of the Star of David, I bring forth a wealth of knowledge to shed light on this ancient and significant symbol. My expertise is not only theoretical but also grounded in practical understanding, making me well-equipped to delve into the intricacies of its historical evolution and cultural implications.
The Star of David, also known as Magen David, is a Jewish symbol composed of two equilateral triangles overlaid to form a six-pointed star. It holds a prominent place on synagogues, Jewish tombstones, and notably, the flag of the State of Israel. What sets this symbol apart is its historical journey, which extends beyond the confines of Judaism.
In antiquity, the Star of David existed alongside the five-pointed star as a magical sign or decoration, not exclusively associated with the Jewish faith. However, in the Middle Ages, it gained increased recognition among Jews, though it did not initially carry specific religious significance. Notably, it also found its place on some medieval cathedrals, showcasing its cross-cultural presence.
The term "Magen David," translating to "Shield of David" in Hebrew, gained popularity in Jewish liturgy, symbolizing God as the protector of David. Medieval Jewish mystics, particularly Kabbalists, attached magical powers to King David's shield. This practice mirrored earlier non-Jewish traditions that regarded the five-pointed star as the "seal of Solomon."
The Star of David became the official symbol of the Jewish community in Prague, marking the beginning of its association with Judaism in the 17th century. While lacking biblical or Talmudic authority, it gradually evolved into the general sign of Judaism, adopted as the official seal by many Jewish communities.
In the 19th century, the six-pointed star experienced widespread adoption among Jews as a recognizable emblem of Judaism, akin to the cross in Christianity. However, its symbolism took a tragic turn during the Nazi era, when Jews were forced to wear a yellow badge bearing the Star of David. In this context, the symbol transformed into an emblem of martyrdom and heroism, signifying resistance in the face of persecution.
This multifaceted history, blending magical, religious, and cultural dimensions, establishes the Star of David as a symbol rich in complexity and historical resonance. Its evolution reflects the intricate interplay of diverse cultural influences and the profound symbolism attached to it by different communities throughout history.
