<P> A barnstar (or barn star, primitive star, or Pennsylvania star) is a painted object or image, often in the shape of a five - pointed star but occasionally in a circular "wagon wheel" style, used to decorate a barn in some parts of the United States, and many rural homes in Canada . They have no structural purpose but may be considered lucky, akin to a horseshoe mounted over a doorway . They are especially common in Pennsylvania and frequently seen in German - American farming communities . </P> <P> Barnstars were meant to represent the mark of the builder but became more frequently used for aesthetic purposes and were added to the building after construction was complete . Enthusiasts have traced a number of wooden barnstars to individual builders in the Pennsylvania area, where numerous examples can still be seen . </P> <P> Barnstars were used in the United States during the 18th century and as late as 1870 in Pennsylvania, where their popularity increased greatly following the Civil War . Their regular use preceded that time, however, and stars were commonplace on large buildings, particularly factories, in pre-war Richmond, Virginia . </P>

What does a star on a house stand for