If you enjoy country life or just like taking walks away from busy cities, you may have noticed barn stars. These stars are often found above barn doors, either painted on or made of metal, and they serve as interesting decorations with a rich history.
But what do barn stars really mean? Where do they come from? If you’ve ever wondered about this, you’re in the right place. This article will explain a bit about barn stars and might even teach you something new.
The history of barn stars goes back over a hundred years, although there is some debate about their original purpose. Some sources say that these stars were first used to show who built the barn, acting as a sign to let everyone know who was responsible for constructing it.
According to The Copper Star, barn stars became popular after the American Civil War and can be traced back to at least the 1820s in Pennsylvania. Nowadays, people often associate barn stars with good luck and prosperity. Interestingly, the different colors of the stars each have their own special meanings too!
That’s right! Each color of barn stars has its own meaning. German-American farmers, for instance, placed these stars at the top of barns to keep away evil spirits and to help ensure a good harvest.
Barn stars are a tradition that has been passed down over the years and are believed to come from the Pennsylvania Dutch and Amish communities.
Interestingly, the different colors of stars represent different ideas. For example, brown stars symbolize friendship and strength, while white stars stand for purity and energy. A violet star represents holiness, and blue or black stars are meant to protect the farm.
Green stars symbolize growth and fertility for the crops, while bright yellow stars express love for both people and the sun.
Then there are “hex stars,” which are different from barn stars and showed up more than a century later.
You may have seen hex stars from time to time. They first appeared in the 1950s. According to the Kutztown Folk Festival, the change from barn stars to hex stars started with a man named Milton Hill in 1952.
Later, in the late 1950s, a Pennsylvania Dutch folk painter named Johnny Ott added superstitious meanings to his designs. He found that these signs sold much better with added meanings. The trend quickly spread, and these designs became known as “hex signs.”
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I Unintentionally Heard My Husband Speaking About Me to a Store Clerk in a Changing Room
Viola’s world came crashing down when she inadvertently overheard a conversation that revealed more about her husband, Ross, than she could have imagined. Her discovery led to a powerful, public declaration at their 15th anniversary celebration, where she exposed his betrayal and declared their marriage over, shocking their friends and family.
Ross and Viola’s marriage was perceived by many as ideal. They had weathered various storms together and built a life that seemed enviable on the outside. In light of their upcoming 15th anniversary, Viola proposed, “Ross, let’s throw a big party for our 15th wedding anniversary!” Ross responded affirmatively with a warm smile, showing no signs of the discord that lay beneath.
Having recently welcomed their third child, their lives were full and seemingly content. In preparation for the celebration, Viola decided to shop for a new dress to mark the occasion, telling her children, “Mommy needs a pretty dress for the party,” as she left for her favorite boutique.
At the boutique, amidst a selection of outfits, Viola’s excitement turned to shock as she recognized Ross’s voice in a nearby dressing room. His words pierced through the curtain, “My wife is…a shrinking violet, you know. She’d never wear a dress like this! Plus, she’d need two or three times a bigger size because of her fat belly, but you…you look perfect in it, baby!” The realization that Ross was not only mocking her appearance but also engaging flirtatiously with another woman left Viola stunned and heartbroken.
Reeling from the discovery, Viola managed to compose herself enough to leave the boutique without confronting Ross immediately, knowing she needed more evidence. At home, Ross’s demeanor was unchanged, playful and caring with their children, making it even harder for Viola to reconcile the man she heard with the man she saw.
“How was shopping?” Ross asked innocently upon her return. “It was fine,” Viola responded, masking her turmoil. “Didn’t find anything I liked, though.” Ross reassured her casually, oblivious to the storm brewing within her.
That evening, after ensuring their children were asleep, Viola’s need for answers led her to snoop through Ross’s phone. Her suspicions were confirmed when she found flirty messages with someone named Jenna. The discovery compelled Viola to hire a private investigator, desperate to uncover the full extent of Ross’s infidelity.
As she waited for the results, Ross noticed her distant demeanor, asking if she was okay. Viola lied, attributing her mood to exhaustion from caring for their baby. Ross offered his support, unaware of the investigation unfolding.
The investigator eventually provided Viola with conclusive evidence of Ross’s affair, including pictures and texts shared over months. Armed with this information, Viola decided to confront Ross publicly at their anniversary party.
On the day of the party, Viola stayed out of sight until Ross introduced her to their guests. As she approached, Ross complimented her, unaware of the storm about to break. “Honey, you look amazing. What did you do? I thought you were a—” he started to say, but Viola cut him off sharply, “A shrinking violet?” The room fell silent as Ross realized that his deception was uncovered.
Viola took this moment to address their friends and family gathered, revealing the painful truth. “I overheard Ross telling a saleswoman that I am a shrinking violet and overweight. It broke my heart, but it also made me realize I deserve better. So, I’ve decided to end our marriage. I deserve someone who loves and respects me for who I am,” she declared, her voice filled with resolve.
The guests reacted with a mixture of shock and support, some applauding Viola’s courage. Ross, unable to respond, stood frozen as Viola continued, “Unfortunately, I can’t meet my husband’s requirements for a wife. He said I need two or three times a bigger size because of my fat belly. Well, Ross, I’m done trying to fit your mold.”
With those final words, Viola thanked everyone and left the party, feeling a mixture of relief and empowerment. She walked out into the cool evening, her head held high, ready to begin a new chapter in her life free from deception and disrespect.
Viola’s bravery in confronting her husband publicly marked a turning point in her life. As she drove away, her phone lit up with messages of support from friends, reinforcing her decision to stand up for herself and seek happiness elsewhere. “Thank you. I needed to do this for me. It’s time for a fresh start,” she texted back, looking forward to a future filled with self-respect and freedom.
This episode in Viola’s life was a profound declaration of her worth and a refusal to be diminished by anyone, especially her spouse. It highlighted the resilience and strength that come from facing painful truths and making tough decisions, serving as a testament to the empowerment that follows taking
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