The "Pennsylvania Dutch," were actually Germans. Their "Hex Signs" were painted on barns, carved into furniture, and hammered on to utensils. They were thought to bring luck, love and abundance, and ward off misfortune such as fire and lightning. |
The Unicorn Hex | The Oak Leaf Hex |
Strength and courage to strive for your goals. Virtue, love, faith, hope and charity. | Strength in body, mind and character. The scalloped border represents smooth sailing in life. |
The Lucky Star Hex | The Distlefink Hex |
Each color symbolizes luck, in many things. Lucky in love, fortune, friendship, job, etc. Also protection against fire. | Good luck, love and happiness. Often put on new houses. It insures a happy household, especially if it has a blue background. The tulips mean faith, hope and charity. |
The Six Pointed Love Hex | The Health Hex |
All kinds of love, and protection of them. | Protection of your health from all disease. The various diseases are represented by different colors in the rosette. |
The Triple Five Pointed Star of Luck, Love and Happiness Hex |
Also strong protection against fires. |
Hex signs were originally called "Sech Circles," because the first ones all included a six-pointed star in a circle. The Pennsylvania Dutch call them "Hexerie" or "Jinks." They are usually painted in bright colors. These are just a few of the designs. |