| Revision as of 17:50, 20 July 2003 view sourceRoadrunner (talk | contribs)Extended confirmed users11,923 editsNo edit summary← Previous edit | Revision as of 17:50, 20 July 2003 view source The Anome (talk | contribs)Edit filter managers, Administrators253,471 edits ''Magen David'' or ''Mogen David'' in HebrewNext edit → | ||
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| The '''Star of David''' ( |
The '''Star of David''' (''Magen David'' or ''Mogen David'' in Hebrew, Shield of David, hexagram, and Solomon's seal) is a generally recognized symbol of ] and ]. The symbol, itself, is noteworthy as an example of ] ]. Some cultures say that the triangle pointing downwards represents female ] and the triangle poitning upwards represents male ]. The combination represents unity and harmony. In ], the two triangles represent the reconciliation of the opposites of "fire" and "water". Scholars have not been able to trace the symbol back to ] or ], but it is clear that the Jewish use of the symbol stems from ] mysticism. Jewish lore links the symbol to the "Seal of Solomon", the magical signet ring used by ] to control demons and spirits. Jewish lore also links the symbol to a magic shield owned by King David that protected him from enemies. Following Jewish emancipation after the ], Jewish communities chose the Star of David to represent themselves, comparable to the cross used by ]s. The star is found on the ]. | ||
| A yellow-colored Star of David was used by the ]s, during the ], as a method of identifying Jews. | A yellow-colored Star of David was used by the ]s, during the ], as a method of identifying Jews. | ||
Revision as of 17:50, 20 July 2003
| Image of the Star of David |
The Star of David (Magen David or Mogen David in Hebrew, Shield of David, hexagram, and Solomon's seal) is a generally recognized symbol of Judaism and Jewish identity. The symbol, itself, is noteworthy as an example of geometric symmetry. Some cultures say that the triangle pointing downwards represents female sexuality and the triangle poitning upwards represents male sexuality. The combination represents unity and harmony. In alchemy, the two triangles represent the reconciliation of the opposites of "fire" and "water". Scholars have not been able to trace the symbol back to King David or Rabbi Akiva, but it is clear that the Jewish use of the symbol stems from Kabbalah mysticism. Jewish lore links the symbol to the "Seal of Solomon", the magical signet ring used by King Solomon to control demons and spirits. Jewish lore also links the symbol to a magic shield owned by King David that protected him from enemies. Following Jewish emancipation after the French revolution, Jewish communities chose the Star of David to represent themselves, comparable to the cross used by Christians. The star is found on the flag of Israel.
A yellow-colored Star of David was used by the Nazis, during the Holocaust, as a method of identifying Jews.