Herrnhut stars are becoming increasingly popular in the Czech Republic. Customers from neighboring countries are increasingly becoming aware of branded products from Upper Lusatia, said Managing Director of Herrnhuter Sterne GmbH, Katja Ruppert. This can be seen, among other things, in the increasing number of Czech guests coming to the company’s performance workshops. The manufacturer has also been standing at the Christmas market in Liberec since 2023. “We were surprised that our offer was well received there,” said the company boss.
According to its own information, the company offers its stars at more than 30 Christmas markets throughout Germany. With a national presence, “direct customer contact” is useful in drawing attention to the largely handmade products and their history.
This tradition has existed since the 19th century
The creation of this famous star is closely linked to the Evangelical Brethren Unity, which had its origins in Herrnhut. In the 19th century, it was common practice in Brethren schools and boarding schools to make stars out of paper and cardboard during Advent. At the same time, children should develop a better understanding of geometric objects and shapes. The series of production of sales goods in Herrnhut finally began in 1897.
For the current financial year, the manufacturer expects sales of 850,000 stars, about 30,000 more than the previous year. “This still cannot be mass produced, although production volumes continue to increase,” the managing director believes. “We stick to craft.”
The company currently employs approximately 230 people. Almost 80 percent of them are women. In a two-layer system, stars are generated with 8 triangular points and 17 square points. Made of paper and plastic, available in over 80 different color and size combinations. Although sales are now spread over several months some ten years ago, about 60 percent of sales occur in the fourth quarter.
It’s no longer just before Christmas
The Moravian Star has become an indispensable decoration in many places during Advent, for example in streets and squares or in public buildings. Starting this year, original works from Upper Lusatia will also shine at Leipzig Central Station, said Ruppert. The manufacturer delivered more than 100 yellow stars that will be lit for the first time on Monday (24 November) in two different sizes. The classic red, white and yellow colors are still very popular among customers.
The Herrnhut factory sparked a real passion for collecting with special editions. Since 2015, they have offered plastic stars with colors that change annually, currently 13 centimeters in diameter. The series now continues with the minister who is eight centimeters tall and released in purple for the first time this year. The company intentionally wants to appeal to a different, younger audience with alternatives to traditional products, he said.
Herrnhut stars have long been used for year-round decoration. The new decoration house opened in early November. Buildings with sales area, production area, warehouse and workshop space were built on neighboring land.
© dpa-infocom, dpa:251123-930-328204/1
