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Hex Signs are the colorful signs that were first seen painted on the huge, red barns of the Pennsylvania Dutch in the 18th century, "hex" taken from the German die Hexe, meaning Witch. The signs, which were originally geometric (but have since evolved to include more elaborate decorations such as distelfinks and other PA Dutch hallmark designs) were painted directly on the sides of barns by the "hexmaster" or "hexenmeister" who was typically a barn painter by trade. Today's hex signs are more commonly produced as ready-to-hang signs. There has been much debate about the nature of the hex signs. Were they intended as purely esthetic decoration |
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The Pennsylvania Dutch are the German speaking peoples who settled in Pennsylvania in the 17th and 18 centuries and their descendants. The phrase was coined from the word "Deutsch" meaning German. Various Christian sects settled in the Southeastern regions of Pennsylvania establishing communities where they, primarily, maintained their own language and customs. The German they speak today is a mixture of German (various dialects) and English. There is some confusion between the Pennsylvania Dutch who originated the colorful folk art and hex signs and the plain living Amish. The Amish belong to a specific religious sect and community that falls under the umbrella Pennsylvania Dutch, but not all of the Pennsylvania Dutch are Amish. Specifically, the Amish do not paint hex signs on their barns. |
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Ideography Religious and spiritual symbols have always been a strong element in
any society and a great deal of folklore and mythology has grown up
around many cultural symbols. Were the hex signs created in
Southeastern, PA in the last century really intended as hex signs?
It is impossible to say for certain. The experts do not agree. |
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It
has been postulated that each
color and design used in a traditional hex sign has an associated
meaning that is designed to bring good fortune and ward off negative
energy. The circle, among the oldest symbols known to man,
is a symbol of eternity or infinity. Our sun, the planets of the
solar system, and our earth are round. Hex
signs are traditionally round, utilizing this ancient symbol of
continuity. What goes around comes around. Stars or "stahnna" are the oldest and most commonly used symbol in hex signs. The first hex signs to appear on barns were variations of the star shape. Flowers or "blumma" were also commonly used design elements in the early hex signs. Over time, particularly in the latter part of the 29th century, more elaborate designs became incorporated in "traditional" hex signs. Meanings ascribed to the newer designs are based on common symbolic associations and not necessarily on traditional Pennsylvania Dutch meanings. If the original hex signs were painted as symbols of protection, as is still a topic of debate among experts, the basic geometric shapes used (circles, stars, and flowers), the design symmetry, and the colors used are the elements that should be most closely examined for "traditional hex sign meanings." There is no way to be certain, however, that the meanings we ascribe to them today are correct.. At best, they are educated guesses based on the meanings of symbols in cultures and religions throughout history. It is interesting to note that the same symbols have appeared throughout history with very similar, if not identical meanings across a wide variety of societies. Circles and stars are what we see when we look up into the heavens and flowers are part of the beauty of the earth. Heaven and earth. Whatever else they might mean, there is a visual poetry to the creation and display of primal symbols: a haiku for the eyes. As for meaning, perhaps they were painted wishes or even prayers. Today we have a circular symbol that is widely displayed and to which meaning and even emotion is ascribed depending on which way some lines in the design are curved. It is called the "smiley."
Meanings Associated with Hex Sign ColorsThroughout history, color has been been attributed symbolic meaning. Although traditional meanings for different colors varies somewhat among cultures, some commonly associated meanings have emerged as almost universal. Yellow, for example, as a symbol of the sun. Green for growth and fertility. The original creators of hex signs, The Pennsylvania Dutch may have associated these meanings in their signs as some speculate, or they may simply have had an eye for design.
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For more information about symbols and symbolism, why barns are red and other
fascinating facts and lore about barns, or the folklore and culture of the
Pennsylvania Dutch, the following are great resources. |
The Circle
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Bibilography: |
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