This is an old revision of this page, as edited by Cprompt (talk | contribs) at 03:04, 13 April 2003. The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.
Revision as of 03:04, 13 April 2003 by Cprompt (talk | contribs)(diff) ← Previous revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)| Image of the Star of David |
The Star of David (also Magen 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 a good 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.
A yellow-colored Star of David was used by the Nazis, during the Holocaust, as a method of identifying Jews.