Interesting sign, no idea what it is.

DirkSears · Feb 18, 2008

I was out with my wife's Grandfather for a historical tour / MD trip. Although we didn't do much MD'ing I did take some pics. One that spurred my curiosity was on a covered bridge. Check out the pics and note the strange metal sign hung at the top of the bridge. I thought it was weird to hang a sign of a bird/flower at the top of a covered bridge. Has anyone seen anything like this? My wife's Grandfather had no idea what it was. As far as we can tell it's not the state bird or flower. Bridge was built in 1884.

3searchin · Feb 18, 2008

It's an old hex sign. they used to be put on barns and such to ward off evil (hexes). they were popular in the old dutch communities..

I know that hex sign is not the technical term but someone here knows I'm sure of it.

nice bridge though, it looks like it's held up well

3S

cosmic · Feb 18, 2008

Most are rooted in traditional folk art, such as the "distlefink," a bird design that now symbolizes good luck and also the shamrock..

Montana Jim · Feb 18, 2008

http://www.dutchhexsign.com/history.htm

Also - I think that one is a "Bless this house" hex sign...

Southern_Boy · Feb 18, 2008

Definite "Hex" sign there to ward off evil. Tend to see them alot in the rural areas..have seen them on old barns of the Amish or Mennoites too.

Caryl · Feb 18, 2008

As a matter of fact, I DO know what that is

First post here, and I'm IDing something

That my friend, is a PennDutch Hex sign, a distelfink to be more specific is the name for the bird,for luck and happiness. Th tulips for faith, and stars for good luck. The heart for love. Blue conveys protection, white purity, green abundance and red strong emotion.
So there you go

Montana Jim · Feb 18, 2008

Caryl said:
As a matter of fact, I DO know what that is First post here, and I'm IDing something
That my friend, is a PennDutch Hex sign, a distelfink to be more specific is the name for the bird,for luck and happiness. Th tulips for faith, and stars for good luck. The heart for love. Blue conveys protection, white purity, green abundance and red strong emotion.
So there you go

Caryl! Good job!

Welcome to TreasureNet!

strike it rich · Feb 18, 2008

Caryl said:
As a matter of fact, I DO know what that is First post here, and I'm IDing something
That my friend, is a PennDutch Hex sign, a distelfink to be more specific is the name for the bird,for luck and happiness. Th tulips for faith, and stars for good luck. The heart for love. Blue conveys protection, white purity, green abundance and red strong emotion.
So there you go

Well done excellent first post

davest · Feb 18, 2008

dat vas a very gut vay of speeking that. ach, himmmel.

I grew up around the PA Dutch, it was a good language for them to use when the whiteguys were around, or the englanders, which ever you prefer. My mom worked for a grocer that was PA Dutch.