There's something rather lovely about walking past a house on a cold December evening and seeing a glowing paper star hanging in the window.

It's a familiar sight across Scandinavia, where Advent stars have become a much-loved part of Christmas. But have you ever noticed that some Advent stars aren't quite symmetrical?

Our Advent Star has a distinctive shape, and a recent customer review reminded us just how much those little details matter.

The tradition of Advent stars in Scandinavia

In Sweden, the adventsstjärna is a familiar sight during the festive season. Traditionally hung in windows, illuminated paper stars bring warmth to homes and can be enjoyed from the street outside.

Although closely associated with Scandinavian Christmas celebrations, Advent stars have roots in Germany. The Nordiska museet explores how Advent customs, including illuminated stars, developed in Sweden. For more Swedish Christmas history, see Upplandsmuseet's look at Advent stars.

Why do some Advent stars have seven uneven points?

Not every seven-pointed star has the same proportions. Our traditional Advent Star has four shorter points and three longer points. Together they create a lovely asymmetrical silhouette that naturally draws the eye downwards when the star is suspended.

It's a small design detail, but once you notice it, it's hard not to appreciate. Traditional Advent stars have taken many shapes over time, so there's no one pattern that every Nordic paper star follows.

A lovely review that made us smile

We recently received a thoughtful five-star review from Andrew S., who immediately recognised the distinctive proportions of our Advent Star.

★★★★★   “Finally! The proper shape”

“Finally a properly shaped 7 point advent star available in the UK!”

— Andrew S., Advent Star customer

Andrew particularly appreciated the four-short, three-long silhouette and even suggested a future red or orange version. We love hearing from customers who notice the details behind a design.

The meaning behind the Advent star

Advent stars are associated with the Star of Bethlehem in the Christmas story. Today, they are also a familiar symbol of light, welcome and the Christmas season. Whether you appreciate the traditional symbolism or simply love their glow, they have a story worth sharing.

From Christmas windows to cathedral spaces

The idea of light creating moments of reflection is close to our hearts at Paper Starlights. A single illuminated star can transform a window; brought together, handmade stars can transform a larger space too.

Our Light of Stars installation at Bath Abbey filled the historic setting with illuminated paper stars. The artwork complemented the architecture and invited visitors to pause, look up and reflect.

Our Light of Stars project at Leicester Cathedral continues this exploration of light, craftsmanship and reflection in a remarkable historic setting. Designed to complement rather than dominate its surroundings, the installation encourages visitors to experience the space in a fresh way.

How to display a Scandinavian Advent star at home

Hang one in a window

This is the classic way to enjoy an Advent star. Position it where you can see it from indoors and out, and add a warm-white light for a welcoming evening glow. Our Advent Star is available with a USB LED lighting kit or fairy lights.

Create a simple Christmas corner

Hang a star above a sideboard or in a calm corner of your living room, alongside greenery or a few natural decorations. Explore our Christmas stars for more shapes and colours.

Let the shape speak for itself

With its distinctive silhouette, a seven-point Advent star makes a beautiful decoration all on its own.

Bring it out year after year

Our paper stars fold flat for easy storage. If you're putting yours up for the first time, our guide to assembling a paper star lantern can help.

Our take on a traditional Advent star

We've spent 30 years celebrating the beauty of handmade paper stars. Our 60cm seven-point Advent Star is handcrafted by skilled artisans in India using responsibly sourced paper, with the four-short, three-long design that Andrew so kindly highlighted.

Whether you're making a Scandinavian-inspired Christmas window or looking for a decoration to bring out every December, it's a lovely way to celebrate the season.

Discover the Advent Star at Paper Starlights

And we'd love to know: would you like to see our Advent Star in another colour?