Hex Signs: Sacred & Celestial Symbolism in PA Dutch Barn Stars

Of the many cultures that have settled this region over the centuries and put their stamp on our traditions, foods, arts, music, celebrations and language, one of the least understood—despite its familiarity—is the Pennsylvania Dutch.

Patrick J. Donmoyer, director of Pennsylvania German Cultural Heritage Center at Kutztown University and author of Hex Signs: Myth and Meaning in Pennsylvania Dutch Barn Stars (2013), is working to change that. Hex Signs: Sacred and Celestial Symbolism in Pennsylvania Dutch Barn Stars, an exhibition opening March 1 at Glencairn Museum that he is guest-curating, aims to crack open the meaning behind this Pennsylvania Dutch folk art tradition.

Hex Signs explores themes of sacred and celestial imagery in the traditional arts of the Pennsylvania Dutch, with special emphasis on the decorated barns of Southeastern Pennsylvania, and features actual examples of barn stars, decorated objects and related images. Visitors will be able to purchase a full exhibition catalog of Hex Signs, a collaboration of the Heritage Center and Glencairn Museum for this exhibition.

“The first waves of German-speaking immigrants arrived at ports in Philadelphia in 1683,” says Donmoyer, “settling Germantown before spreading throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania and, eventually, throughout the United States.

“The Pennsylvania Dutch, whose presence in the region spans five centuries, were highly influential in their agriculture, architecture, language, trades, arts, holiday customs, and religion, and have flavored the distinctive culture of Pennsylvania and beyond.”

Donmoyer notes that barn stars—also called hex signs—"are among the most visible public expressions of Pennsylvania Dutch folk art. These abstract, geometric depictions of celestial bodies can be found primarily in Berks, Lehigh, Montgomery, Northampton, Bucks, and other counties in the region and have come to represent the folk culture of the Pennsylvania Dutch.”

Hex Signs: Sacred and Celestial Symbolism in Pennsylvania Dutch Barn Stars opens Friday, March 1, and runs through Sunday, November 3, in Glencairn’s Upper Hall. Visitors may tour the exhibition’s artwork, artifacts, historic documents, photographs, and tools of the sign painter’s trade 1-4:30pm Saturday and Sunday without a reservation for a suggested donation of $5, Tuesday through Friday as part of the 2:30 guided tour of the castle, as part of other paid guided tours and events or by appointment. Exhibition access is occasionally limited by public and private events; calling ahead of a visit is recommended.

More activities besides Hex Signs, the exhibition
In addition, Glencairn has planned a trio of March activities around the theme of Pennsylvania Dutch barn stars to give participants opportunities to decode the unique influences of Pennsylvania Dutch culture.

Lecture, Friday, March 1, 3:30–5:00pm, NO charge, no registration required
Hex Signs: Sacred and Celestial Symbolism in Pennsylvania Dutch Barn Stars is an illustrated presentation about Glencairn’s exhibition of Pennsylvania barn art by Patrick J. Donmoyer, guest curator. Donmoyer has spent over a decade researching and photographing decorated barns throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania. His survey reveals a diverse and colorful tradition of folk art that illustrates trends in Pennsylvania German folklore, especially as it pertains to beliefs and practices associated with the agricultural lifestyle, religious expression and observations of the heavens.

WORKSHOP, Saturday, March 2, 1–3:00pm, $20 per person includes materials
Pennsylvania Dutch Traditional Paper Stars
Elaine Vardjan and her son Matt Vardjan teach the art of creating folded paper “Froebel stars.” This old German paper craft, which comes to us via Pennsylvania Dutch craft traditions, was popularized in Germany by Friedrich Froebel in the early 1800s. “Star craft” is the art of combining individual stars to make other items, such as crosses, baskets and mobiles. Once you become familiar with the Froebel star, you’ll see its basic shape in the patterns of some of the barn stars painted on Pennsylvania German outbuildings. The workshop includes a guided look at Glencairn’s featured exhibition, Hex Signs: Sacred and Celestial Symbolism in Pennsylvania Dutch Barn Stars. No experience needed. Registration required by 5pm Monday, February 25.

BUS TOUR, Saturday, March 23, 9am–5pm, $65 per person/$50 Glencairn members, includes continental breakfast & box lunch
Hex Sign Folk Art Tour of Berks County
Glencairn Museum is opening its March member event to everyone. Join Patrick J. Donmoyer for an exploration of the “barn star region” of northern Berks County, an area with the highest concentration of decorated barns in Pennsylvania, with a special emphasis on the hills and dales of Albany Township and surrounding communities. Donmoyer, guest curator of Glencairn’s featured exhibition, Hex Signs: Sacred and Celestial Symbolism in Pennsylvania Dutch Barn Stars, leads this tour to discover a wide variety of traditional barn stars, also known as hex signs, and explore the folklore of this diverse and colorful artistic tradition. Must reserve seat by 5pm Thursday, March 21.

GLENCAIRN MUSEUM, a National Historic Landmark and part of the Bryn Athyn Historic District (including Cairnwood, built 1892-95, and Bryn Athyn Cathedral, 1913-19), houses a collection of religious art and artifacts from around the world and serves as a museum of the history of religion. Glencairn itself, built in the Romanesque style between 1928 and 1939 by Raymond and Mildred Pitcairn for their family’s home, was given to the Academy of the New Church in 1980 after Mildred Pitcairn’s death. A treasure open to the public, Glencairn Museum now offers tours of its tower and 6 floors depicting world religious history as well as a glimpse into the family’s personal life, visiting art and object exhibits, workshops, concerts, seasonal programs and its popular annual “Christmas in the Castle” tour featuring outstanding examples of Nativity art. For more on the Museum or becoming a member: 267.502.2600, info@GlencairnMuseum.org or GlencairnMuseum.org.

Pennsylvania German Cultural Heritage Center at Kutztown University is a folklife museum and research center on the Kutztown campus. Patrick J. Donmoyer is a fluent speaker of Pennsylvania Dutch and advocate for regional folk culture. His folklife research blends language, traditions and vernacular architecture. Patrick is president of the Historic Barn and Farm Foundation of Pennsylvania and author of numerous articles and books. His most recent work is on the ritual healing traditions of the Pennsylvania Dutch: Powwowing in Pennsylvania: Braucherei & the Ritual of Everyday Life (2017).