The Star of David, also known as the "Shield of David" (Magen David), originated well before it became a distinctly Jewish symbol. Its shape, a hexagram formed by two overlapping equilateral triangles, has appeared in various cultures including ancient pagan traditions, early Christian churches, and Islamic culture. Historically, it was a decorative motif and a magical symbol used outside Judaism. Within Jewish tradition, the phrase "Shield of David" appears in the Babylonian Talmud as an epithet for God, and Jewish legends claim the symbol decorated King David's army shields, though there is no archaeological evidence confirming this. The Star of David became explicitly associated with Judaism in the mid-14th century when the Jewish community in Prague was granted the right to carry a flag featuring this symbol. From there, it spread as a symbol of the Jewish people. The hexagram also has mystical interpretations in Kabbalistic literature and was used as an amulet for protection. It gained wider prominence as a Jewish symbol in Europe from the 17th century and eventually became a symbol of Jewish identity and Zionism by the late 19th century. Today, it is most famously recognized on the flag of Israel. In summary, the Star of David's origins are ancient and cross- cultural, but it became a Jewish symbol notably from the 14th century onwards, with both historical and mystical associations within Judaism.
