Hunlock Creek PA
2018


Hex signs are a form of Pennsylvania Dutch folk art, related to fraktur, found in the Fancy Dutch tradition in Pennsylvania Dutch Country. Barn paintings, usually in the form of "stars in circles", began to appear on the landscape in the early 19th century and became widespread decades later when commercial ready-mixed paint became readily available. By the 1950s commercialized hex signs, aimed at the tourist market, became popular and these often include stars, compass roses, stylized birds known as distelfinks, hearts, tulips, or a tree of life. Two schools of thought exist on the meaning of hex signs. One school ascribes a talismanic nature to the signs; the other sees them as purely decorative. Both schools recognize that there are sometimes superstitions associated with certain hex sign themes and neither ascribes strong magical power to them. The Amish do not use hex signs.

A barnstar is a painted object or image, often in the shape of a five-pointed star but occasionally in a circular "wagon wheel" style, used to decorate a barn in some parts of the United States. They have no structural purpose but may be considered lucky, akin to a horseshoe mounted over a doorway.

No matter the material, these bold stars are also known as Pennsylvania stars or primitive stars. The primitive stars were commonly installed on barns by early Dutch and German settlers to ward off evil. The stars are known to bring good luck to farmers, too.



That barn star is more than a pretty decoration.
In rural areas, it’s not uncommon to spot a barn with a classic bright red coat of paint. But to spruce things up, it may feature a barn quilt or a barn star on the exterior as well.
This barn star has a meaning to plenty of German-American farmers. It’s more than something to catch the eye! Each star brings good luck!
What Does a Star on a Barn Mean?
Sure, the Americana style is a decor trend we love. However, a large five-point star prominently displayed on a barn does have a deeper meaning.
Sometimes, barn stars may be painted right on the wooden structure, but more often than not, they’re made out of separate pieces of metal and wood and then installed in place. No matter the material, these bold stars are also known as Pennsylvania stars or primitive stars. The primitive stars were commonly installed on barns by early Dutch and German settlers to ward off evil. The stars are known to bring good luck to farmers, too.

Is the Color of a Barn Star Important, Too?
While the meaning of a barn star is important, the color of the barn star can hold meaning as well. A brown star is known to symbolize friendship and strength, while white stands for purity and energy. A violet star is considered holy, while a green star symbolizes hope for growth and fertility on the farm. If you see a blue or black star, they symbolize protection for the farm. And a bright sunny yellow star? It holds a meaning of love of man and the sun.

Those who choose to hang a star on their barn can use the color meanings to help guide their choice, ultimately making a statement while also adding a unique piece of decor to their barn.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barnstar