Cross-border demand for Herrnhut stars

The creation of the famous star is closely linked to the Evangelical Unity of Brethren. / Photo: Robert Michael/dpa

Tradition dates back to the 19th century

The creation of the famous star is closely linked to the Evangelical Unity of Brethren, which has its origins in Herrnhut. In the 19th century, it was common practice in schools and boarding schools of the Moravian Church to make stars out of paper and cardboard during Advent. Children were supposed to develop a better understanding of geometric bodies and shapes at the same time. Series production of sales items in Herrnhut finally began in 1897.

The manufactory expects to sell 850,000 stars in the current financial year, around 30,000 more than in the previous year. "It's still not a mass-produced product, even if the production volume has steadily increased," the Managing Director assured us. "We are sticking to manual work."

The company currently employs around 230 people. Almost 80 percent of them are women. The stars with 8 triangular and 17 square points are produced in a two-shift system. Made of paper and plastic, they are available in more than 80 different color and size combinations. Even though sales are now spread out over the months a little more than ten years ago, around 60 percent of sales are made in the fourth quarter.

Not just in the run-up to Christmas

During the Advent season, Herrnhut stars are an indispensable decoration in many places, for example on streets and squares or in public buildings. From this year, the originals from Upper Lusatia will also be shining at Leipzig Central Station, said Ruppert. The manufactory has supplied more than 100 yellow stars in two different sizes, which will be switched on for the first time on Monday (November 24). The classics in red, white and yellow are still very popular with customers.

The Herrnhuter Manufaktur triggered a veritable passion for collecting with a special edition. Since 2015, it has been offering plastic stars in annually changing colors, previously with a diameter of 13 centimeters. The series is now being continued with minister stars, which are eight centimetres in size and came out in purple for the first time this year. The company said it deliberately wanted to appeal to a different, younger audience with this alternative to the traditional range.

M Herrnhut stars have long been used for decoration all year round. The new decoration store opened at the beginning of November. The building with sales area, production areas, warehouse and workshop space was built on a neighboring property.

Cross-border demand for Herrnhut stars

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