The star placed at the very top of the Christmas tree recalls the one seen by the three wise men 'in the East' at the time of Jesus Christ's birth, the star that 'went before them till it came and stood over where the young child was'
Matthew 2:1-12.

In many parts of the world today celebration of the Christian holiday has begun with the appearance of the first star on Christmas Eve.

In Poland this signals the beginning of the Festival of the Star. After the Christmas Eve meal, the priest of the village, as the "Star Man", goes around and tests the children's religious knowledge. In parts of Alaska boys and girls carry a star figure from house to house, singing carols and hoping for treats or to be invited in to dinner. In Hungary a star-shaped pattern in an apple cut in half means good luck. A break in the pattern is suppose to mean illness.

To Christians the Christmas star is suppose to express the ideals held out by Jesus, called in the Bible "the bright and morning star."

Stars in general have a special meaning, as they are sharing the heavens, no matter what barriers keep them apart on earth.