The Enigmatic World of Hex Signs: Magic and Meaning in a Witch Mystery Novel

You might have heard about hex signs--colorful symbols painted on barns in Pennsylvania Dutch country.

But did you know that their history and meaning are wrapped in a witch mystery all their own?

As the author of Legacy of the Witch, a metaphysical mystery novel set in this very region, and as someone with family from Penn Dutch country, I’ve long been fascinated by these enigmatic designs and their place in folklore and magic.

Barn with Hex Signs

What Are Hex Signs?

Hex signs are decorative symbols traditionally painted on the sides of barns in Pennsylvania Dutch country.

Their sizes vary, from small examples you might see in home collections to massive, vibrant designs that can be seen high up on a barn.

The term “hex sign” itself was first mentioned in print in 1924 in a travel book called Pennsylvania Beautiful.

The author described these barn decorations and suggested that their design were used to ward off evil, introducing the idea of hex signs as magical charms.

But he came to this conclusion based on a conversation with... a single farmer.

The Mystery Behind the Meaning

For the early Pennsylvania Dutch farmers, it wasn’t demons or ghosts that unnerved them, but the hexen—the witches.

Interestingly, Pennsylvania never executed or imprisoned accused witches, unlike neighboring Massachusetts, which adds a unique cultural layer to the story.

After the 1924 book hit the shelves, 20th-century producers of hex signs ran with the idea that these signs were magical charms meant to ward off evil and attract good fortune.

Each design supposedly carried a meaning—good luck, love, protection, and more.

But Are Hex Signs Really Magical?

The old Pennsylvania Dutch folk often insist hex signs are just decorative—that there’s no magic involved. Period.

Modern Pennsylvania Dutch scholars agree.

Some suggest the travel writer might have misheard the farmer.

Did he confuse the term “sechsafoos,” which means a six-pointed star shape—a common motif in hex signs—for “hexafoos” which means "witch's foot?"

Others think the writer may have been pointing at a hex sign, but the farmer thought he was pointing at something else entirely--a charm used in the Pennsylvania Dutch braucharei tradition called a hexafoos.

These are traditionally made with a piece of paper inscribed with protective words, symbols, or Bible verses, but they can also be carved wooden objects.

Hex Signs and Sacred Geometry

One of the most popular hex sign designs is the “seed of life.”

This symbol is an eight-pointed star and a foundational component of the “flower of life” in sacred geometry.

Hex sign six-pointed stars, also known as rosettes, and twelve-pointed stars often have a symmetrical, sacred geometry-like appearance.

This connection to sacred geometry adds another layer to the mystery of their meaning and possible magical significance.

Could Hex Signs Be Protective Charms?

In my cozy mystery novel, Legacy of the Witch, my heroine paints hex signs and infuses them with her own magic.

From a magical theory perspective, anything created with proper magical intent can be magical.

The Power of Belief and Mystery

Could hex signs be magical today simply because so many people believe they are?

This idea isn’t far-fetched when you consider experiments like those at Hampton Court Palace in 2000 and the Southbridge vaults in 2003.

Researchers took people through these supposedly haunted places and found that the subjects reported spooky experiences.

What’s more, tourists who knew nothing about the experiments later reported the same detailed phenomena in the same places.

This suggests that belief might be energetically contagious or that belief itself can create the experience.

Since we are creatures of flesh and energy, this possibility opens a fascinating door into how mystery and magic might work.

The Decline and Legacy of Hex Signs

Today, hex signs are becoming harder to find in Pennsylvania Dutch country.

They’ve fallen out of fashion in favor of barn stars and quilt patterns painted on barns.

The largest mass producer, Zook, went out of business during COVID, marking the end of an era.

If you want to explore hex signs yourself, Etsy offers some beautifully crafted examples that reflect this rich tradition.

Wrapping Up the Mystery

So, where does this leave us?

Hex signs are steeped in history, folk tradition, and a little bit of mystery.

Whether or not they carry magical power depends on who you ask and what you believe.

For me, they represent the beautiful intersection of art, culture, and the unknown.

If you enjoy witch mystery novels or metaphysical tales, exploring hex signs is a wonderful way to dive into a world where history and magic blend.

And if you’re curious about the story behind hex signs and their magical possibilities, I invite you to check out Legacy of the Witch, where these symbols come alive in a witch mystery novel full of enchantment and secrets.

If you enjoyed this dive into hex signs and the magic of mystery, cozy mystery, and mystery novels, please feel free to share your thoughts or questions.

And, as always, happy reading and happy mystery-solving!

Subscribe to my YouTube Channel