<P> On older buildings in the Pennsylvania Dutch area of the United States, it is still possible to find barnstar - like building adornments that are painted, rather than wooden or metal, known as hex signs . Strictly speaking, they are defined apart from barnstars and visually bear only passing resemblance, but the two are often confused and their names are even regarded as interchangeable . Some hex signs incorporate star shapes, while others may take the form of a rosette or contain pictures of birds and other animals . </P> <P> The term barnstar has been incorrectly applied to star - shaped anchor plates that are used for structural reinforcement, particularly on masonry buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries . These are made of cast iron and are used as tie plates serving as the washers for tie rods . The tie - rod - and - plate assembly serves to brace the masonry wall against tilting or lateral bowing . </P> <P> Some Wiki - based communities give their users an award called a "barnstar", as a continuation of the "barn raising" metaphor . The practice originated on MeatballWiki and was adapted by Wikipedia in 2003 . The image that is frequently used for this purpose is actually a photo of one of the structural tie plates described above, not of a proper barnstar . </P> <Ul> <Li> Barnstars </Li> <Li> <P> House with a barnstar in Strasburg, Pennsylvania </P> </Li> <Li> <P> House with star anchor plates </P> </Li> <Li> <P> "Barnstar" anchor plate </P> </Li> </Ul>

Star on side of house what does it mean