Driving around PEI, I saw lots of barns and houses with stars, octagons, and tulips inside a circle. These are hex signs. How odd! Hex signs are said to have been brought to Pennsylvania by the Germans in the 1700s who were called Pennsylvania Dutch. Initally they were used to ward off evil spirits, to protect the crops from harm, or to bring good fortune to the family. Now they appear to be decorative. However, I did not talk to any individual, so they might serve a dual purpose.
The signs are in various colors symbolizing different qualities or emotions. Blue represents, peace and spirituality; Red, emotion; Black, protection; Green, fertility and success; Orange, abundance, and Black, protection. Today, they seem to be more decorative than symbolic.
Common signs are in the shape of an octagon, representing completeness, the tulip representing vitality, creativity, and renewal. The star which seemed most common in PEI represent divine intervention and spiritual guardianship.
You see, some are plain like the simple star on the first house. Others are very colorful. It was interesting to see the different varieties as we drove through the countryside. From Hex signs to Road signs. Next week you will see PEI road signs.
Here are two houses with their hex signs. They are simpler, but just as effective.
