The Star of David

The Star of David, Magen David (Hebrew for "Shield of David"), is a Jewish symbol composed of two overlaid equilateral triangles that form a six-pointed star. The symbol, which originated in antiquity and was not limited to use by Jews, served as a magical sign or as a decoration, like the five-pointed star.

In the Middle Ages the Star of David appeared with greater frequency amongst Jews but did not assume any special religious significance. The term Magen David, which in Jewish liturgy signifies God as the protector or shield of David, gained currency among medieval Jewish mystics and the symbol itself started to gain popularity as a protection against evil spirits.

The Jewish community of Prague was the first to use the Star of David as its official symbol and from the 17th century on the six-pointed star became the official seal of many Jewish communities and a general sign of Judaism. By the 19th century, the Star of David was almost universally adopted as the emblem of Judaism, not only by Jews but also by nations of the world.