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What are Hex Signs?
Hex Signs are the colorful
barn decorations that were first seen painted on the huge, red barns of
the Pennsylvania Dutch in the 18th century.
The
signs, were painted directly on the sides of barns by
the "hexmaster" or "hexenmeister" who was typically
a barn painter by trade. There
has been much debate over the exact meaning of hex signs and whether or
not original hex signs were painted as symbols of
protection or simply for decoration, is
still a topic of debate among experts. The basic geometric shapes used
(circles, stars, and flowers), the design symmetry, and the colors used
are the elements typically ascribed "traditional hex sign meanings." There is no way to be
certain, however, that the meanings we ascribe to them today are what
the original painters intended.. At best, they are educated guesses based on the meanings of
symbols in cultures and religions throughout history. It is
interesting to note that the same symbols have appeared throughout
history with very similar, if not identical, meanings across a wide
variety of societies.
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Meanings
Associated with Hex Sign Symbols
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Most Hex Signs are circular in shape and the most common element used in
their design is the star. Circles and stars are what we see when we look
up into the heavens and flowers are part of the beauty of the
earth. Heaven and earth. Whatever else they might mean, there is a
visual poetry to the creation and display of primal symbols: a haiku for
the eyes. As for meaning, perhaps they were painted wishes
or even prayers. Today we have a circular symbol that is widely
displayed and to which meaning and even emotion is ascribed depending on
which way some lines in the design are curved. It is called the
"smiley." |
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Meanings
Associated with Hex Sign Colors |
| Throughout history,
color has been been attributed symbolic meaning. Although traditional
meanings for different colors varies somewhat among cultures, some
commonly associated meanings have emerged as almost universal. Yellow,
for example, as a symbol of the sun. Green for growth and fertility. The
original creators of hex signs, The Pennsylvania Dutch may have
associated these meanings in their signs as some speculate, or they may
simply have had an eye for design. |
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EQuiHex
Equine Hex Signs™
EQuiHex began
designing equine hex signs in 1999. Our designs are meant to
create colorful decorations that have meaning to horse lovers
& equestrians. The hex sign designs we use on our merchandise
are meant to be both decorative and symbolic to the equine
community. Horse and equestrian silhouettes are incorporated with
traditional stars, tulips or flowers, leaves, scallops, water
droplets and other traditional symbols. Hex Sign Buttons are like
mini-posters that can be pinned on anything. Our Porcelain Hex
Sign Keepsake Ornaments make beautiful collectables that can
decorate a holiday tree or a horse lover's room. They also make
nice awards for horse clubs. T-shirts & other apparel,
Keepsake Boxes and other merchandise provide unique ways to
display these colorful symbols of harmony and good luck for the
equestrian.
More
Hex Sign Lore |
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