Once superstitious symbols, the colorful marks are now traditionally ornamental
When the colonists came to this land, they brought many folk beliefs and superstitions, some with roots in medieval and ancient mythology.
The “hex marks” painted on the old barns of the so-called “Pennsylvania Dutch” farmers, even on some of the modern new barns, now are merely traditionally ornamental. However, old-timers will admit that there was no idea of decoration in the early days in this land — they believed in the influence of evil spirits, and they did what they thought was necessary to keep away evil or to bring good luck, attaching occult power to omens, signs, charms.
The earliest settlers carved their “hex” signs in barn timbers. Later on, the symbols were painted in rich colors. Similar markings are found on barns in Germany, France and Switzerland.
Quadruple lucky stars
Four times good luck. Hex signs take various shapes, but are all geometrical.
Good luck mark vintage barn sign
Good luck mark was painted on barns to bring farmers rain and sun for crop abundance and fertility.
Morning star
Morning star with rosettes and other symbolic designs to bring good luck and keep it that way through life.
Irish hex vintage barn sign
Irish hex is to bring wide friendship and good luck. The green border represents money and success.
Mighty oak
Symbolic of strength in mind and body; inside border represents the eternal chain of life.
Love and romance vintage barn sign
This version shows heart in center for trust; trinity tulips for faith, hope and charity.
Love and romance II
Distelfink birds, hearts and trinity tulips mean two hearts blossom at the same time.
Daddy hex
A variation with rosette in center to keep away starvation, plague and all ills that beset mankind.
Daddy hex II
Earliest of hex signs, appeared on the back of an altar in 1453; it was devised to keep away a variety of ills.
