What do PA Dutch hex signs mean?
The Pennsylvania Dutch may have mounted hex signs on barns for their purported magical properties. Some believed that hex signs provided protection, fertility for livestock, the right balance of sun and rain, and success with crops. Hex signs could feature a variety of symbols, including birds and flowers.
Do Amish use hex signs?
“Plain Dutch,” such as Amish and Mennonites, reject the hex signs as superstitious or pagan. Barn stars and hex signs are rather used by the more secular “Fancy Dutch” community of Pennsylvania Germans, which exists alongside the Amish and Mennonites.
What is the meaning behind hex signs?
The term hex with occult connotations may derive from the Pennsylvanian German word “hex” (German “Hexe”, Dutch “Heks”), meaning “witch”. However, the term “hex sign” was not used until the 20th century, after 1924 when Wallace Nutting’s book Pennsylvania Beautiful was published.
What is a daddy hex?
Daddy Hex. The Rosette, a symbol of good luck, is a popular design for Hex signs. In this design, called the Daddy Hex, the outer rosette has 12 petals for twelve months of good luck. The smaller rosette provides an added measure of good luck during difficult times of the year.
Why do barns have hex signs?
The markings, colors, and designs on hex signs are believed by many to protect the barns and the animals housed inside from fire, lightning, sickness and the work of evil spirits, demons and witchcraft. They might augment fertility of livestock or encourage the right balance of sun and rain for success with crops.
Where are hex signs commonly found?
Hex signs can be found throughout Pennsylvania, and are especially prominent in Berks County. Today, Donmoyer says people are still painting hex signs on their barns. “It’s not just Pennsylvania Dutch, “said Donmoyer, “it’s part of a regional experience.”
Who is Jacob Zook?
In the early 1940’s, Jacob Zook, an 11th generation Pennsylvania Dutchman living in the village of Paradise, PA successfully pioneered the hand “silk screening” of hex signs. Here, a “silk screen” is used to apply each of the design’s bright colors to a carefully prepared signboard.
Are hex signs evil?
One says hex signs are intended to ward off evil. The other, as Claypoole said in Pennsylvania Dutch parlance, is simpler: “They’re just for nice.” Mystical or decorative, hex signs are fascinating.
Are Pennsylvania Dutch Dutch?
Why are the Pennsylvania Dutch called so when they’re actually German? Most of us have heard of the Pennsylvania Dutch community in the United States. However, it might be surprising to know that these people are not actually Dutch, but rather, descended from German immigrants.
What is an Irish hex?
A traditional Pennsylvania Dutch Hex Sign, usually given at weddings, placed on new houses or barns, to protect those inside. For good luck, prosperity, fertility, good harvests, etc. Can still be seen in southern Pennsylvania.
What do quilt blocks on barns mean?
AKRON, Ohio — Paintings of quilt squares are popping up on barns around the country. But they’re more than just a folksy attempt to beautify the rural landscape. These are the engines of a movement to promote tourism and spark economic development across rural America.
Why are quilts painted on barns?
The concept of a Barn Quilt began with Donna Sue Groves and her wish to honor her mother, Maxine, and her Appalachian heritage by having a painted quilt hung on her barn in Adams County, Ohio. Donna Sue continued to share this idea with friends and the idea morphed from full quilts to quilt blocks.