A Hex Upon Your House

     About 300 years ago, peasant farmers from the Rhine region of Germany and Switzerland settled in the southeastern countryside of Pennsylvania. These settlers consisted of plain dressed Amish & Mennonites, and the more worldy fancy Lutheran & Reformed sects. This community became known as the "Pennsylvania Dutch." The term "Dutch" is a rendering of  deutsch or dietsch meaning "German," not referring to the Dutch people of the Netherlands.
     Bringing their homeland customs, the immigrants created colorful quilts, needlework, and handcrafted furniture still prized today. Popular folk art emerged in the mid-1800's, with brightly painted Hex Signs decorating the drab barns of the "Fancy Dutch" because it cost too much to paint the entire structure. Although the exact meaning behind the name of these novelties is a mystery, it is believed the term derived from the German word sechs (six) which evolved into hex. Originally the most popular symbols were six-sided geometric star designs, hence the name. In this case the word hex is not a bewitching curse, but considered a good luck charm warding off evil spirits. 
     The symbols and colors of Hex Signs (or Barn Art) have special meanings, stemming from medieval European roots and fraktur, a word describing the ornate script and artistry stylizing Bibles; marriage, birth and death certificates. For example:

• Crescent Moon - the four seasons
• Distelfink - mythical bird of good luck & happiness
• Heart - true love
• Oak Leaf - long life, strength and endurance
• Tulips - Faith, hope, charity, and trust in mankind
• Blue - protection, peace, spirituality
• Green- growth, fertility
• Orange - success in career and projects
• Red - passion, charisma, creativity
• Violet - sacred
• Yellow - physical and mental health, connection to God

      Coming to America in 1728, my paternal Eshelman ancestors were among these Swiss immigrants who settled in Lancaster and Franklin Counties of Pennsylvania. This might explain my attraction to the whimsical folk art spotted throughout my house.
   

The Distlefink is the mythical "Bird of Good Luck and Happiness." 

It is based on the thistle seed-loving Goldfinch. On this Hex Sign, the bird

is perched on a large heart of love, with tulips of faith.  

This design features two Distlefinks expressing love and friendship.

Two hearts beating as one, their embrace surrounded by a never ending circle.

The tulips show faith this love will last forever.  

This is the popular "Irish Dutch" Hex Sign.

The design contains a traditional shamrock, and two Distlefinks

signifying a double dose of good fortune. 

Also a red heart for love; trinity tulips for faith, hope and charity; 

and scalloped border for smooth sailing in life. 

Luck of the Irish...Germans and Swiss!