Page 39 - March 2022

by Judy Gonyeau,
managing editor
Barn Quilts

The History, Symbolism, and Tourist Boon for Farms Across the U.S.

s barns scattered across the landscape of Europe and the Hex signs are thought to be derived from the Rhineland and
yet-to-be United States, barn quilts stood as images of identity, surrounding countries as a type of “Fraktur” – a highly artistic and
Awelcome, and decoration on a building that typically afforded elaborate illuminated folk art named after the Fraktur script associated
with it. Most Frakturs were created between 1740 and 1860.
little, if any, adornment. Stories about these mostly geometric designs
Lee R. Gandee, the author of Strange Experience, Autobiography of a
placed on buildings cross the lines of myth and mysticism—many Hexenmeister, describes hex signs as “painted prayers” but states that hexes
greatly embellished over time—with controversies regarding their are of pre-Christian Germanic origin. Based on his research, Neopagans
meaning and purpose based upon folklore, and a revival of the practice or Germanic heathens took up the practice of creating hex signs, incor-
resulting in popular Quilt Trails made just for these times. porating other pre-Christian signs and symbols into the hex work.
Any “secret” meanings to the designs vary depending upon heresay
and folklore. According to Hex Signs and Other Barn Decorations, Elmer
History L. Smith documented a few of what he believes are the ancient
As immigrants made their way from the central markings of hex signs: the four-pointed star signifies good luck; five
regions of Europe—Germany, Austria, the points protect the barn from lightning; six points signify love and
Netherlands—to the Colonies, many wished to celebrate marriage; eight points, fertility; and a sixteen-pointed star was sure to
their heritage once they established their new home by bring prosperity to a farm.
painting small patterns on the ends of their barns. Marilyn Carrigan,
executive director of the Truman Museum in Truman, Minnesota,
says, “The history of the barn quilt begins about 350 years ago with the
arrival of immigrants from the Rhine region of Germany. They came
for religious freedom. These groups included Amish, Mennonites,
Lutherans, and other Reform groups. Many settled in Pennsylvania,
especially in Berks, Lancaster, and Lehigh counties.”
The actual barn quilt was not an entire quilt but a simplified quilt
block often painted directly on the barn. Paint was not affordable to
many, and as a result the barns remained unpainted or very plain. Once
a family could afford it, a small amount of money would go into creating
the barn quilt/wooden quilt block. Using simple geometric designs
made them easier to create. They used bright, solid colors as opposed
to any “finer” painting styles. They were easy to see from far away, and
for visitors or guests, they may have served as a symbol they were in the
right place.

Early Symbolism in Quilt Map of Southeastern Pennsylvania, Courtesy of the Library of Congress.

Design: The Hex Southeastern Pennsylvania is home to two distinct concentrations
Hex signs have adorned American quilts and barns of barn decorations, defined by geographical features that separate the region.
from the start of colonization. Some believed these signs Star patterns are predominant along the Blue Mountain, part of the Appalachian
Mountain Range bordering Berks, Northern Lehigh, and Schuylkill counties.
would look over the farm from a vantage point on the upper front of Floral motifs are found throughout the Lehigh Valley, which spans
the barns, spreading different protective “energies” across the fields and Northampton, Lehigh, Bucks, and Montgomery counties.
homestead. They originated in Pennsylvania, where they became a Barn stars are rarely found west of the Susquehanna, except for traditional wooden
symbol of Pennsylvania-Dutch farmers. applique stars found in Bedford, Somerset, and Washington counties.

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