That barn star is more than a pretty decoration.
If You See a ‘Barn Star,’ This Is What It Means
Updated Dec. 01, 2023
In rural areas, it’s not uncommon to spot a barn with a classic bright red coat of paint. But to spruce things up, it may feature a barn quilt or a barn star on the exterior as well.
This barn star has a meaning to plenty of German-American farmers. It’s more than something to catch the eye!
What Does a Star on a Barn Mean?
Sure, the Americana style is a decor trend we love. However, a large five-point star prominently displayed on a barn does have a deeper meaning.
Sometimes, barn stars may be painted right on the wooden structure, but more often than not, they’re made out of separate pieces of metal and wood and then installed in place. No matter the material, these bold stars are also known as Pennsylvania stars or primitive stars. The primitive stars were commonly installed on barns by early Dutch and German settlers to ward off evil. The stars are known to bring good luck to farmers, too.
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Is the Color of a Barn Star Important, Too?
While the meaning of a barn star is important, the color of the barn star can hold meaning as well. A brown star is known to symbolize friendship and strength, while white stands for purity and energy. A violet star is considered holy, while a green star symbolizes hope for growth and fertility on the farm. If you see a blue or black star, they symbolize protection for the farm. And a bright sunny yellow star? It holds a meaning of love of man and the sun.
Those who choose to hang a star on their barn can use the color meanings to help guide their choice, ultimately making a statement while also adding a unique piece of decor to their barn.
Hearty Farmhouse-Inspired Recipes
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Chicken Potpie Galette with Cheddar-Thyme Crust
This gorgeous galette takes traditional chicken potpie and gives it a fun open-faced spin. The rich filling and flaky cheddar-flecked crust make it taste so homey. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah
Farmhouse Apple ColeslawA friend from church gave me this apple coleslaw recipe that her grandmother handed down to her. The flavors complement each other well, while the fruit creates a refreshing change of pace from the usual coleslaw. —Jan Myers, Atlantic, Iowa
Rustic Honey CakeWhen my boys were young, they couldn’t drink milk but they could have yogurt. This was a cake they could eat. And it’s one dessert that doesn’t taste overly sweet, which is always a nice change of pace. —Linda Leuer, Hamel, Minnesota
Psst! If you're enjoying these, you'll definitely love these farmhouse-inspired breakfast recipes, too.
Down-Home Pork ChopsZippy sauce adds personality to these otherwise straightforward brown sugar pork chops. —Denise Hruz, Germantown, Wisconsin
How to Make the Best-Ever Fried ChickenThe best fried chicken recipe is super crunchy on the outside but oh-so juicy and tender on the inside. Surprisingly enough, we make it without buttermilk!
Corn Chowder with BaconWarm up on a cold winter day with corn chowder with bacon and potatoes. Our recipe is loaded with buttery Yukon Gold potatoes, smoky bacon and sweet corn in a rich and creamy broth. We also use a smart ingredient swap so the soup can thicken naturally without cornstarch or flour.
Homemade Buttermilk BiscuitsThe recipe for these four-ingredient homemade buttermilk biscuits has been handed down for many generations. —Fran Thompson, Tarboro, North Carolina
Warm Tasty Greens with GarlicMy farm box had too many greens, so I had to use them up. This tasty idea uses kale, tomatoes and garlic in a dish that quickly disappears. —Martha Neth, Aurora, Colorado 
Blueberry Rhubarb Country TartWhen the rhubarb comes in, mix it with blueberries for a rustic and bubbly tart. Offer it to a friend with a warm cup of tea. —Jeanne Ambrose, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Sausage, Egg and Cheddar Farmers BreakfastThis hearty combination of sausage, hash browns and eggs is just right for any breakfast. &mdash:Bonnie Roberts, Newaygo, Michigan
Buttermilk DressingThis restaurant-style buttermilk dressing is similar to a classic ranch and dresses up basic green salads, pasta salads and potato salads.
Rustic Nut BarsMy friends love crunching into these chewy, gooey bars that have a crust like shortbread and a wildly nutty topping. —Barbara Driscoll, West Allis, Wisconsin 
Country Ribs DinnerRibs slow-cooked with carrots, celery, onions and red potatoes are pure comfort food for us. To add a little zip, we sometimes sprinkle in cayenne. —Rose Ingall, Manistee, Michigan 
Crusty BreadThis easy crusty bread recipe proves that you absolutely can make a bakery-quality loaf at home—no kneading required. Once you've mastered the basic recipe, try variations with cheddar, herbs and more.
Fresh Corn & Potato ChowderThis corn chowder recipe was one of my favorites as a child in upstate New York, and I still love it today. For extra depth, place the spent cob in the soup, simmer, then remove. —Tracy Bivins, Knob Noster, Missouri
Cornflake-Coated Crispy BaconI've loved my aunt's crispy-coated bacon ever since I was a child. Now I've shared the super simple recipe with my own children. We still enjoy a big panful every Christmas morning—and on many other days throughout the year! —Brenda Severson, Norman, Oklahoma 
Country CassouletThis bean stew is fantastic with fresh dinner rolls and your favorite green salad. It's a hearty meal that's perfect after a long day in the garden. —Suzanne McKinley, Lyons, Georgia
Frosted Cashew CookiesWe savor these cookies at Christmas, but they're special year-round with coffee or tucked into a lunchbox. I won a ribbon with these cookies at my county fair. —Sheila Wyum, Rutland, North Dakota
Meat LoafThis traditional meat loaf recipe creates a tender, juicy meat loaf topped with a caramelized glaze. The best part: It’s so easy to make, and it’s ready to eat in about an hour!
Pineapple-Rhubarb JamRhubarb, pineapple and strawberry make an awesome jam that brings back memories of living on a farm and growing my own rhubarb. —Debbi Barate, Seward, Pennsylvania
Zucchini & Sausage Stovetop CasseroleGather zucchini from your garden or farmers market and start cooking. My family goes wild for this wholesome casserole. You can grate the zucchini if you'd like. —LeAnn Gray, Taylorsville, Utah
Buttermilk Mashed PotatoesMy sister-in-law, who is a dietitian, shared these buttermilk mashed potatoes with me. The garlic and buttermilk in these smooth mashed potatoes that are better for you than typical versions that include lots of butter. —Stephanie Bremson of Kansas City, Missouri
Country Roasted ChickenThis Dutch oven roast chicken recipe gets wonderful flavor from the celery, onion and parsley tucked inside. This is my family's favorite way to make roast chicken. When my daughter was away at school, she even called home to ask me for the recipe so she could make it herself. —Judy Page, Edenville, Michigan 
Apple-Sage Sausage PattiesApple and sausage naturally go together. Add sage, and you’ve got some standout patties. They’re freezer friendly, so I make them ahead and grab when needed. —Scarlett Elrod, Newnan, Georgia
Farm-Style BBQ RibsInspiration struck when I saw a recipe similar to this one in a newspaper. My version was an instant hit with my husband and our friends. It got even better when I discovered how easy it is to make in the slow cooker. —Bette Jo Welton, Eugene, OR
Hearty Slow-Cooker Breakfast HashThis sweet and savory hash certainly won't leave you hungry—the sausage, veggies and eggs will fill you up. The hint of maple syrup makes it all feel extra cozy. —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia
Farmers Market Orzo SaladOrzo is a tiny pasta shaped like rice. We use it as a base for veggies, lemony vinaigrette and cheeses such as mozzarella, feta or smoked Gouda. —Heather Dezzutto, Raleigh, North Carolina
Country Pear Puff PancakeThis sweet, gooey pancake is dressed up with caramelized pears and baked until golden. Cut into serving-size wedges, it's a special change of pace. —Steffany Lohn, Brentwood, California
Apple Slab PieApple slab pie is a terrific contribution to a covered-dish supper, picnic or potluck. It’s baked in a large 15x10 baking pan so it’s easy to make and tote, too. But be prepared—people always ask for a copy of the recipe! —Dolores Skrout, Summerhill, Pennsylvania
Chicken-Fried SteakThis chicken-fried steak and gravy combination is absolute comfort food. Cube steak gets a lightly seasoned coating, making this dish perfect for those nights when you want something filling but don't have a lot of time to prep dinner. Â
Amish Onion CakeThis rich, moist bread with an onion-poppy seed topping is a wonderful break from your everyday bread routine. You can serve it with any meat, and it's a nice accompaniment to soup or salad. I've made it many times and have often been asked to share the recipe. —Mitzi Sentiff, Annapolis, Maryland 
Chicken Potpie CasseroleMake our easy chicken potpie casserole for dinner tonight. It doesn't get much cozier than a casserole rich with gravy and veggies and topped with fluffy biscuits. 
Country-Style Scrambled EggsI added a little color and flavor to this country scrambled eggs recipe by adding some green pepper, onion and red potatoes. —Joyce Platfoot, Wapakoneta, Ohio
Hearty Butternut Squash SoupThe comforting combination of squash, meat, beans and veggies makes this my go-to soup in fall. It's full of freshness. —Jaye Beeler, Grand Rapids, Michigan
Church Supper SpaghettiBecause this recipe feeds so many, I often take it to church dinners and potlucks. This colorful dish also comes in handy when we have lots of help to feed on our farm. —Verlyn Wilson, Wilkinson, Indiana
Home-Style Yeast BreadEveryone likes the tender texture and slightly sweet taste of this homemade bread. When I'm in the mood to bake, I usually double the recipe and share loaves with friends. The dough also makes lovely rolls.
-Launa Shoemaker, Landrum, South Carolina 
Skillet Blueberry SlumpMy mother-in-law made a slump of wild blueberries with dumplings and served it warm with a pitcher of farm cream. We’ve been enjoying slump desserts for 60 years. —Eleanore Ebeling, Brewster, Minnesota 
Farmer's Market Corn SaladI love fresh corn on the cob, especially grilled, so I am always looking for innovative ways to serve it. This recipe takes the corn right off the cob and combines it with fresh basil. —Haras Cindie, Jupiter, Florida
Rustic Vegetable FrittataI love that this veggie-loaded frittata combines seriously nutritious ingredients into a filling dish I can serve as breakfast, lunch or dinner—and is still delicious even as leftovers! —Deborah Jamison, Austin, Texas
Canning Spaghetti SauceCanning spaghetti sauce is a delicious way to preserve garden-fresh tomatoes. Here's how to can spaghetti sauce in a water bath—no pressure canner required.
Country Sausage SoupSavory pork sausage, two kinds of beans and diced tomatoes make this soup one I prepare time and again. It's a hearty fix for when I don't know what to prepare for supper.—Grace Meyer, Galva, Kansas 
Chicken and Wild Rice CasseroleThis chicken and wild rice casserole is the perfect dinner for when you need something easy, balanced and friendly for the whole family. Precooked chicken and rice make it even quicker.
Cheesy Ham ChowderMy five children all agree that this soothing recipe is wonderful. The soup is full of potatoes, carrots and ham. The best part is that I can get it on the table in only a half hour of hands-on time. —Jennifer Trenhaile, Emerson, Nebraska
Slow Cooker Pot RoastWhat if you could get the perfect pot roast with half the work, but double the flavor? Good news: You can. Here's how, with the help of our best slow-cooker pot roast recipe.
Country White BreadAnytime is the right time for a comforting slice of homemade bread. These loaves are especially nice since the crust stays so tender. This white bread recipe is my husband Nick's favorite. He makes most of the bread at our house. —Joanne Shew Chuk, St. Benedict, Saskatchewan 
Bean & Beef Slow-Cooked ChiliThis chili may be already chock-full, but we love to build it up even more with toppings like pico de gallo, red onion, cilantro and cheese. —Mallory Lynch, Madison, Wisconsin
Apple PieI remember coming home sullen one day because we'd lost a softball game. Grandma, in her wisdom, suggested that maybe a slice of hot apple pie would make me feel better. She was right. —Maggie Greene, Granite Falls, Washington
Country Ham and PotatoesBrowned potatoes are a simple but perfect side for country ham. Not only do the potatoes pick up the flavor of the ham, but they look beautiful! Just add veggies or a salad and dinner’s done. —Helen Bridges, Washington, Virginia
Sweet Potato-Cranberry DoughnutsI grew up near Idaho, which is famous for spudnuts, a doughnut made from mashed potatoes. I reworked a recipe using sweet potatoes and cranberries to come up with this variation. I like to serve them for dessert. —Joni Hilton, Rocklin, California
Italian Pasta BakeWhether feeding a small army or just your very hungry family, this pasta bake recipe never fails to satisfy.
Mashed Potatoes with CheddarWho doesn’t love fluffy, homemade mashed potatoes? Make them even better with sharp cheddar cheese. To get them really creamy, my mother's secret was to add whipping cream instead of half-and-half. —Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon
Zucchini Hamburger PieThis hamburger pie is a family favorite handed down from my dear aunt. It is so hearty that it satisfies the appetite well. And my family has always enjoyed the idea of having pie for supper! —Eloise Swisher, Roseville, Illinois
Porcini Mac & CheeseThis recipe was inspired by a mushroom mac and cheese I had at a local restaurant. I incorporated the fall flavor of a pumpkin ale, and it turned out better than the original. —Laura Davis, Chincoteague, Virginia
Pork Chops and NoodlesIndulge in the comforting flavors of tender pork chops smothered in a tangy mustard sauce, served over creamy egg noodles. This hearty dish, inspired by classic European cuisine, is a quick and satisfying meal for any night of the week.
Caramel-Pecan Pumpkin Pull-ApartsWe love sticky buns made with my husband's angel biscuit dough, caramel and pecans. For a twist, try apple butter or applesauce instead of the pumpkin. —Carolyn Kumpe, El Dorado, California
Meat Shell Potato PieGuests always comment on the presentation and flavor of this delightfully different dish. —Julie Sterchi, Flora, Illinois 
Country Chuck Roast with Mushroom GravyThis tender, savory roast practically melts in your mouth. It looks a bit complex, but the hands-free oven time makes it my go-to company recipe on a cold day. —Mary Kay LaBrie, Clermont, Florida
Easy Homemade PicklesMy husband grows cucumbers, garlic and dill in the garden and eagerly waits for me to make these homemade pickles. The recipe comes from my grandmother.—Angela Lienhard, Blossburg, Pennsylvania 
Country Cinnamon Swirl BreadI'm always busy with three active sons, so this rich quick bread is a favorite. I like to wrap these loaves to give as gifts. —Sharon Walker, Huntington Station, New York
Ham and Swiss CasseroleWhen I prepare this noodle casserole for church gatherings, it's always a hit. It can easily be doubled or tripled for a crowd. —Doris Barb, El Dorado, Kansas
Turkey Dumpling SoupSimmering up a big pot of this soup is one of my favorite holiday traditions. This is a variation on a recipe my mom made while I was growing up. My husband and children can't get enough of the tender dumplings. —Debbie Wolf, Mission Viejo, California
Funeral PotatoesDon't let the melancholy name fool you! Funeral potatoes are really just a cheesy potato casserole with cornflakes. The creamy texture, melty cheese and crunchy topping make this recipe the ultimate comfort food for any occasion.
Meatball StroganoffA quick and delicious twist on the classic, our meatball stroganoff uses frozen meatballs to get dinner on the table in just 30 minutes.
Cheese Smashed PotatoesWho doesn't like mashed potatoes? Try this slimmed-down dish with any entree. —Janet Homes, Surprise, Arizona
How to Cook a HamWhip up a gorgeous holiday centerpiece with this easy glazed ham recipe. Our Test Kitchen experts share their best tips and tricks for how to cook a ham for special occasions.
Apple & Cheddar Mini SconesBecause cheese and sage go so well with apples, I decided to put them all in scones. These mini treats make a fall weekend brunch, tailgate or party even more fun. —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
Skillet Sausage StuffingTo make this sausage stuffing, I dressed up a package of stuffing mix with pork sausage, mushrooms, celery and onion. It impressed my in-laws at a family gathering and has since become a popular side dish with my husband and children. —Jennifer Lynn Cullen, Taylor, Michigan
Peanut Butter Cream PieThis no-bake peanut butter pie is rich, decadent and packed with as much peanut butter flavor as possible. The hardest part of the recipe is waiting for it to chill overnight!
Country Brunch SkilletUsing frozen hash browns and packaged shredded cheese shaves minutes off the prep time of this skillet egg dish, making it an appealing meal you can put together quickly. —Elvira Brunnquell, Port Washington, Wisconsin
Country Chicken and GravyHere's a lightened-up take on the classic southern comfort-food dish: chicken and gravy. This recipe has been a hit at our house since the first time we tried it! —Ruth Helmuth, Abbeville, South Carolina
Apple Dumplings with Crescent RollsWhen you don't have time to make them the traditional way, apple dumplings with crescent rolls make for an easy and delicious dessert. Forget fussing with a crust, just roll these up and pop them in the oven.
Amish Sugar CookiesThe Amish seem to be master bakers, and they did not skimp on Amish sugar cookies.
Originally Published: March 10, 2022
