November 20, 2023

⭐️ The History of The Moravian Star

The Go-To Winston-Salem

November 20, 2023

Holiday Gift Basket

Last week, we asked what you would include in a holiday gift basket representing Winston-Salem, and you gave us so many great ideas! Here’s what you think represents our city:

Photos courtesy of Wilkerson Moravian Bakery and Vikki Vassar

  • Moravian Treats: Not only did the Moravians establish the town of Salem, but they also left a legacy of delicious baked treats!

  • Krispy Kreme: The international chain got its start right here in Winston-Salem in 1937.

  • Moravian Star: Now that we’ve entered the holiday season, you’ll find these lantern stars hanging in homes all over the city.

  • Texas Pete Hot Sauce: Don’t let the name fool you, this is another nationally known brand that originated in Winston-Salem.

  • Other Suggestions:

    • “Old Salem print from @thatblondegirlvikki”

    • “Recipe card for gumbo from Forsyth Seafood”

    • “Camel City Goods Co. shirt”

Looking for a quiet place to stay productive during the holiday season to hit those end-of-year deadlines? Purchase a day pass or sign up for a Flywheel membership. Enjoy the holiday season at home without the stress of work.*

Events

Tuesday, November 21

  • Ice Skating - Enjoy public skating at the Winston-Salem Fairgrounds. Available through Sunday.*

  • Victorian Christmas - Take a holiday tour of Körner’s Folly, featuring 22 rooms filled with Victorian-inspired Christmas decorations. Open through January 6.

  • Friendsgiving Trivia - Head to Gypsy Road Brewing Company for a trivia night based entirely on Friends Thanksgiving episodes. 7 PM

Wednesday, November 22

  • Medaloni Christmas - Celebrate the season at Medaloni Cellars with a tree-lighting and cookie-decorating competition. 6 PM

Thursday, November 23

  • Turkey Strut 5K - The Winston-Salem Fairgrounds hosts its annual Thanksgiving race. The event benefits the We Care House of Winston-Salem. 8:30 AM*

Other News

  • Holiday Spending: Get a head start on your holiday finances with this “Holiday Budgeting 101” article. Learn how to plan, save, and enjoy the season without breaking the bank.*

  • Coca-Cola: The Historic Resources Commission has recommended the Coca-Cola Bottling Company plant for designation as a historical landmark. According to Triad City Beat, the plant is also being developed into a “food-centric development.”

  • New Store: Ear piercing company and store, Rowan, is coming to the Thruway Center. Rowan exclusively uses licensed nurses to perform ear piercings, and all its earrings are hypoallergenic.

  • Transportation: The North Carolina Department of Transportation opened part of the Nothern Beltway this past weekend, according to WFMY News 2. The new section connects I-74 to US-52.

  • Renovation Award: The Sentinel Commons building in Winston-Salem, a beloved local landmark with a fascinating history, has just been crowned the '1st place winner' in RETROFIT's annual awards for its remarkable interior renovation.

  • Winter Experience: The Winter Globes are back at The Katharine Brasserie & Bar! They are available to reserve for up to 10 people for 2 hours.

  • Sponsors Needed: City Lights Ministry has about 400 kids left who need sponsorship for Christmas gifts. Would you consider making a child’s Christmas by becoming a sponsor?

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Upcoming Events

  • Home Alone In Concert - Celebrate the holiday season with a film presentation of Home Alone featuring the Winston-Salem Symphony’s orchestra at R.J. Reynolds Auditorium on November 25 and 26.

  • Mistletoe Run - Participate in the 40th annual half marathon, 5K, and 1-mile Fun Run at the William G. White, Jr. Family YMCA on December 2. There will also be bounce houses, cheerleaders, community mascots, and more!

  • Christmas Wrapped in Brass - The North Carolina Brass Band celebrates the Christmas season with two performances of holiday favorites. Performances are December 1 at Hanes Auditorium and December 2 at UNCG Auditorium.

  • HanesBrands Community Product Sale - Shop your favorite brands at great prices on December 1-3 at the Winston-Salem Fairgrounds Education Building. Proceeds benefit the Winston-Salem YWCA and the United Way of Forsyth County.

  • Holiday Showcase - Find handcrafted, one-of-a-kind holiday gifts at the Fairgrounds Farmers Market on December 2.

Tradition Spotlight

It’s Christmastime in Winston-Salem, which means Moravian stars are appearing in stores and on front porches. Even if you've lived here for a while, you may find yourself wondering, "What is a Moravian star?"

Courtesy of Scott Muthersbaugh via Vist Winston-Salem

  • Appearance: The star traditionally features 25-26 points, though there can be up to 110 points. The first Moravian stars had alternating red and white points, but most stars nowadays are completely white.

  • History: The star began as a geometry project in Moravian boarding schools and eventually became a symbol of the Advent/Christmas season. Julius Lineback was the first Moravian star maker in Winston-Salem.

  • Significance: In Moravian tradition, the star is a reminder of how God’s light shines in the darkness. The star also represents the star the wise men followed in the Christmas story.

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