Hex signs originated as six-pointed rosettes called "sechs signs" in Pennsylvania German. They featured colorful geometric designs and symbols like doves, lilies and hearts. Hex signs began as religious symbols on barns but are now used decoratively. Common symbols and their meanings include rosettes for good luck, tulips for faith, and hearts for love. Colors also carry symbolic meanings to ward off illness. Today, people make their own hex signs following basic design principles of symmetry.

5. Hex Signs Originally, Pennsylvania German symbols called "sechs" signs were six pointed rosettes. The word "sechs" means six in German. It is possible that the word "hex" sign may have evolved from a mispronounciation of the word "sechs." These extremely colorful circle signs often have geometric designs and feature imaginative art forms such as doves, lilies, hearts and tulips. Today's Hex Signs are used "Chust fer nice."

9. The "Dutch" hex signs began as barn signs expressing a deep faith. Hex sign symbols and their meanings are: Rosette and star - good luck Tulips and other flowers - faith, hope and charity Birds (distlefinks) - good luck, or good fortune Hearts - love in marriage and love of fellow man Scalloped borders - smooth sailing in life

10. Other designs may be used for specific purposes such as rain signs, love signs, fertility signs, friendship signs, peace signs, etc. The most common colors used are red, yellow, green and blue, all thought to have powers to ward off sickness and spells. Meanings of colors generally used are: Red - love, emotion, life Green - growing things, luck, happiness Yellow - divinity, life, sun, gentility Blue - Heaven, truth, beauty Brown - harvest, humility, pleasure White - purity, joy, everlasting life Violet - dignity, power, pride

11. Make your Own Hex Sign 1. Trace the circle shape 2. Using a Ruler draw a + then an X inside the circle 3. Draw points and lines from point to point. 4. If you draw a shape in one corner you must draw the same shape in every corner to create symmetry - if you draw a shape at the top you must also draw a shape on the bottom and the two sides. you