What does a star on a Mormons house represent?

Answer 1

If a person who is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (commonly called the "Mormon" church) puts a star on their home, it is probably just used as a simple decoration or symbol of patriotism. This would be the case unless it is an active-duty military star on a door or window, which means a family member is currently serving in the military.

On historic Mormon buildings, stars were often used as a symbol of Christianity. Historically, stars have been used in Christianity to represent many things, including the five wounds of Christ and the five joys of Mary (Annunciation, Nativity, Resurrection, Ascention, and Assumption). In Mormonism, the star may also have different symbolism. If there are both large and small upright five-pointed stars they will represent the governing and saving power of the priesthood. Upright stars with no size variation, espeically when combined with suns and moons, represent the Terrestrial Kingdom of God, and inverted five-pointed stars represent the 'morning stars' - the sons of God. (Revelation 22:16) If there are both inverted and upright stars, they may represent the our prayers ascending to heaven (upright stars), and the anwers to the descending (inverted stars). A six pointed star may represent the Twelve Tribes of Israel or the actual stars as a symbol of creation.

To see examples of star symbolism on historic Mormon buildings, see the "Related Links" below.

Answer 2

Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (commonly called the "Mormon" church) rarely put religious symbols on their homes. Paintings or sculptures depicting Jesus Christ or the church's temples are quite commonly used in interior décor, but symbols - especially on the exterior of a home - are rare. If Mormon has a six pointed star displayed in or on their home, it is likely just for decoration and has no religious significance.

Six pointed stars are sometimes found in the architectural elements of Mormon houses of worship, and in this case almost always are a symbol of religious significance and not just a pretty design. The Nauvoo Temple featured six-pointed stars representing heaven as well as the vision of John in Revelation 12. On the Salt Lake Temple and Washington DC Temple, six-pointed stars are in the shape of the Big Dipper constellation and the North Star - symbolizing eternity, guidance, direction, and the one true way. The Portland Oregon Temple has six-pointed stars again representing Revelation 12, but also the guidance of the Priesthood and the star of Bethlehem (i.e the way to Christ). The Las Vegas Nevada Temple has twelve six-pointed stars representing the Twelve Apostles. The six-pointed Star of David is found on the St. Louis Missouri Temple and on the Assembly Hall at Temple Square. This is meant to show that God's covenant people worship here, as well as reference to the work done inside to further the gathering of Israel and the restoration of the 12 Tribes. Additionally, a six-pointed star could be meant to be a reference to the symbolism of the number 6 - reminding us of the physical dimension, the material universe, and the natural world (think six directions, six days to create the earth, etc) as well as structure and order.