Hex signs originated as a folk art tradition among the Pennsylvania Dutch, referring to immigrants from German speaking areas of Europe that settled in Pennsylvania. Hex signs are a colorful form of Pennsylvania Dutch folk art consisting of geometric patterns and images painted or affixed to barns and other structures. The hexagonal or eight-sided shapes were often painted directly on the structure to invoke protection, joy and fertility. Though the original meanings and purposes are debated, hex signs have endured as decorative emblems of Pennsylvania Dutch culture and heritage.
History and Origins
The origins of hex signs can be traced to the immigration waves of Germans and Swiss Amish and Mennonites who settled in Pennsylvania in the 17th to 19th centuries. These groups brought their artistic traditions with them, including fraktur, which consisted of hand-illustrated folk designs and motifs. Though the exact beginnings are unclear, scholars believe hex signs emerged in the late 19th century as these groups adopted the folk art painting of circular disks in geometric patterns on their barns and houses.
Some of the oldest surviving barn hex signs in America can be found in the Pennsylvania Dutch region. The hex sign as we know it today developed in south-central Pennsylvania, known as the Pennsylvania Dutch Country. The Pennsylvania Dutch lived in close-knit agrarian communities, where barn raisings brought people together. The colorful hex symbols likely emerged from the creative spirits of these communities.
Meanings and Purposes
The meanings behind the symbols and purposes of hex signs have long been debated by scholars. Some connect the six-pointed shape to the six days of creation in Genesis. Others trace the protective and mystical qualities to the immigrants’ roots in Germany’s Rhineland, where geometric and figural symbols held superstitious meaning.
Among the Pennsylvania Dutch, some maintain that the signs held no significance, but were simply decorative and festive symbols. Alternately, some ascribe specific meanings to the shapes and colors used. For example, the Distelfink, a stylized goldfinch, represented happiness and good fortune. Other common motifs were stars, rosettes and tulips. Certain signs incorporated words and phrases.
According to folklore, hex signs were considered magical charms with the power to ward off evil spirits and bad energy. Different shapes and colors combatted poverty, disease, accidents and witches. Other signs promoted positive virtues like faith, love and hospitality. Placement of the sign was said to amplify its power and effectiveness.
Common Motifs and Elements
Hex signs utilize basic geometric shapes and Nature-inspired motifs. The hexagon shape was commonly used along with circles, squares, octagons and stars nested within each other. Typical motifs included:
| Distelfink | Stylized goldfinch representing happiness |
| Tulips | Symbolized faith and trust in God |
| Rosettes | Protection against illness |
| Stars | Protection and healing power |
| Hearts | Symbolized love and devotion |
Colors also held symbolic meaning:
| Red | Courage, strength |
| Blue | Spirituality, harmony |
| Yellow | Wisdom, warmth |
| Green | Growth, fertility |
Hex signs often incorporated words or phrases in German such as “Gott segne dies haus” meaning “God bless this house.” Creative patterns combined concentric shapes, stars, hearts and nature motifs.
Design and Placement
Hex signs were primarily painted directly onto the structure using mineral paints. The signs were outlined in black and brightly filled in with red, yellow, blue and green paints. Artists used simple tools like compasses to trace the circular patterns. Templates were later created from wood or cardboard.
Location on the structure carried meaning. Hex signs over the main door protected those entering and exiting. Those placed on each side warded off evil. Signs on the upper story shielded children and sleep. The non-figural geometric patterns lent themselves well to the architecture and proportions of barns.
Evolution and Popularity
In the early 20th century as transportation expanded, outsiders began noticing the decorative barn signs which spurred a postcard fad. Though the original meanings had largely faded, the colorful hex symbols became identifiers of Pennsylvania Dutch identity.
The READING RAILROAD helped popularize hex signs in the 1920s-40s by promoting them in posters and pamphlets aimed at tourists. Commercialization led to mass production of pre-made designs rather than hand painting.
Interest surged in the 1950s as the aesthetic appealed to the era’s fascination with folk culture. Mail order companies sold inexpensive hex signs targeting tourists. Hex designs also made their way onto quilts, ceramics, clothing and other crafts.
Today, hex signs are prized examples of American folk art. Contemporary artists conserve the traditions, while also innovating new techniques and designs. Hex signs remain icons of Pennsylvania Dutch heritage. Gift shops sell hex signs shaped into Christmas ornaments, jewelry, coasters and magnets.
Conclusion
The mysterious hex signs painted onto Pennsylvania barns and homes evolved from the Pennsylvania Dutch communities of immigrants seeking to express their cultural identity. The circular geometric patterns likely originated as decorative motifs before later being ascribed magical powers and meanings.
Common design elements feature bright colors and nature-inspired shapes believed to invoke joy, protection and abundance. While the original significance faded over time, hex signs endured as cultural symbols of heritage. The festive barn decorations continue to inspire nostalgia for the simple virtues of home and community.
