Hex Signs
The Pennsylvania Dutch Hex Sign is a unique expression of regional
art. These colorfully designed symbols adorn barns, furnishings, and other
items of personal property owned by the Pennsylvania Dutch. Hex signs are
generally confined to a circular border and often contain a star pattern inside.
The word "hex" is German for witch.
There has been quite a bit of debate on the meaning of the signs. Some
believe they have pagan occult significance. Others dispute this claim and
firmly believe they are only colorful ethnic artwork. The issue has never been
resolved.
Hex signs began appearing on Pennsylvania Dutch barn in 1860 or before.
In
1924, Wallace Nutting was the first to refer to these motifs as a "hexafoos"
or "witch foot" in his writing Pennsylvania Beautiful. A highly publicized
witchcraft related murder in York county reinforced the existence of occult
influences in the community. These two events gave rise to the belief that
hex signs have occult significance. Dr. August C. Mahr, a professor at Ohio State
University, wrote several articles advancing this belief.
Other scholars and writers disagree, and propose that Hex Signs have no
occult meaning. Dr. Alfred L. Shoemaker believed that the signs are only
decorative in nature. John Joseph Stoudt, a folk art scholar, vehemently opposed
the interpretation that the art work had occult significance. He proposed
that the hex sign meaning came from mystical theology rather than witchcraft.
He
reasoned that the Pennsylvania Dutch people are a pious Christians. It was
inconsistent for them to adorn their property with occult symbols -- especially
such items as Bible covers and other religious items.
Web Sites
There are many websites that offer information on Hex Signs. Many of
the sites that sell Hex Signs have excellent graphic images of actual Hex
Signs. The pages listed below are information pages that treat the history
and meaning of Hex Signs.
Contact
References
-
Yoder, Don and Thomas E. Graves. Hex Signs: Pennsylvania Dutch
Barn Symbols & their meaning (2nd ed.) Mechanicsburg,
Pa: Stackpole, 2000.
Excellent treatise on history of hex signs.
-
Smith, Elmer L. Hex signs and other barn decorations
Lebanon, Pa.: Applied Arts, 1965.
Pictorial work on the meaning and artwork of hex signs.
-
Zook, Jacob and Jane Zook. Hexology: the history and meaning of hex
signs Paradise, Pa.: Jacob and Jane Zook, 1962.
Pictorial work on the meaning and artwork of hex signs.
Updated 3-3-2006
Copyright 2006 - Kutztown University of Pennsylvania
|
