In late December 2020, a social media post claimed that homes with five-pointed stars were secret signals for swingers, but there is no evidence to support this.
The rumor traces back to a 2007 post on StrippersOnline. These stars, often called barn stars or “Amish barn stars,” are traditional symbols found on Pennsylvania Dutch homes, representing heritage and good luck, not swingers.
The Pennsylvania Dutch are a cultural group from southern Germany who settled in the U.S. The meaning of barn stars varies, sometimes linked to protection or different symbolic colors.
Barn stars are popular decorations, especially in Pennsylvania, and have no connection to secret messages about relationships.
Historically, they come from German-American folk art and were believed to bring luck and ward off evil. They are related to hex signs, geometric or floral designs on barns in Pennsylvania Dutch communities. Internet myths assigning inappropriate meanings to these stars are false and sensationalize a harmless tradition. Today, barn stars decorate rural and suburban homes, symbolizing tradition, pride, and comfort. Understanding their true cultural significance helps preserve American heritage and respect these symbols as meaningful pieces of history rather than rumors.
