Attorneys in Pennsylvania

Hex Signs: Pennsylvania Dutch Barn Symbols & Their Meaning

Description

99 color illustrations 37 b/w photos 2 color maps 8 x 11

"Helps us to understand hex signs as no other work on the subject ever has."-Simon Bronner, author of Following Tradition

"A landmark in the study of Pennsylvania Dutch folk art."-Henry Glassie, author of The Spirit of Folk Art

A revised and expanded edition of the classic work on hex-sign barn decorations, offering insight into their various forms, geographical spread, European origins, evolution in Pennsylvania, and current use in tourism, advertising, and regional art. The authors explore the meaning of the symbols by examining evidence from popular writers, scholars, and contemporary hex-sign painters. Full-color photographs display the grandeur of this Pennsylvania Dutch phenomenon.

Don Yoder, who lives in Devon, Pennsylvania, was cofounder of the Pennsylvania Folklife Society and longtime editor of its serial, Pennsylvania Folklife. He was Professor of Folklife Studies at the University of Pennsylvania from 1956 to 1992 and is the acclaimed author of countless works on Pennsylvania Dutch folk culture. Thomas E. Graves lives in Orwigsburg, Pennsylvania, and has written articles on hex signs, gravestones, and coal culture.

Reviews

Rating: 4 / 5
Date: 2010-05-27
Summary: "A good overview"

This book is a great introduction to hex symbols and contains some great photos and illustrations. I would recommend it as a starting point for someone who wants to learn more about this art form. It's a quick read but it is filled with information.

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Rating: 5 / 5
Date: 2006-11-10
Summary: "Great Information For the Christian Witch"

This little gudie is great if you are interested in the Pow Wow practice of Pennsylvania Dutch hexerei. Though these writers are interested in the cultural and commercial aspects of the barn hexes, they do offer an introductory discussion of the hex marks and a brief history of its appearance in teh New World. Totally worth your time to peruse and worth your money to have

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Rating: 4 / 5
Date: 2004-02-22
Summary: "Good informitive review of the topic."

The authors take a pragmatic approach to the subject of the many round decorations that have graced barns and homes of Pennsylvania for hundreds of years. Especially among Pennsylvanians of "Deutch" or German ancestry, the fancy round "hex signs" are a cultural identification as well a decoration for their barns. Perhaps these signs also have magickal meaning as a ward or protection. The term "hex" means a magic spell in German, and "hexen" means witch. The authors shy away somewhat from a serious inquiry into the magickal meanings and efficacy of protection hexes. They do offer a collection of good photos of many old and new signs, interviews with current painters and discussion of those available commercially.

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Rating: 5 / 5
Date: 2000-03-02
Summary: "Hex Signs:Pennsylvania Dutch Barn Symbols & Their Meaning"

"It is an excellent book on history of Pa.Dutch Hex Signs" Colorful and very informative!