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Revision as of 19:56, 22 August 2003 by Thue (talk | contribs) (it is usually blue (from hexagram))(diff) ← Previous revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff) 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 Star of David is usually blue.
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.
The shape of the star is an example of the hexagram, a symbol which has significance for other belief systems. It's most prevalent usage before its adoption by Judaism was and is the occult.
Some Orthodox Jewish groups reject the use of the the hexagram that pre-dates the use by Jews because of its association with magic and the occult. See link below to Avram Yehoshua's information on the star.
A yellow-colored Star of David was used by the Nazis, during the Holocaust, as a method of identifying Jews.
Other facts & resources:
There is a plant Solomon's Seal Polygonatum multiflorum in the lily family.
The G2 root system is in the form of a Star of David.
A link to Avram Yehoshua's information on the star's use in modern Israel.