With the symbolic Dutch Irish Hex sign, the appliqué renders the warm welcome that was originally created by the Jacob Zook family. We spoke with Jacob’s granddaughter, Cindy, who graciously permitted us to use inspiration from this symbolic welcome sign for the basis of our Irish Love Birds quilt.
We name our love birds as Sean and Rebecca Connaughton, though in truth, the birds in the quilt are Irish Distelfink birds. Tradition tells us the birds shower the shamrock with a double measure of happiness and good fortune. Trinity tulips add faith, hope and charity, and the decorative heart is overflowing with love for all. This design proclaims the good luck of the Irish.
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Such bright patterns and geometric forms are known as hex signs and were used by the ancestors of Pennsylvanian Dutch- German settlers. Many symbols are thought to have come originally from religious motif designs. It is important to note that the Amish have not painted nor do not paint hex signs on their barns.
Jacob Zook, an 11th generation Pennsylvania Dutchman and Hexologist, living in Paradise, Pennsylvania pioneered the process of hand silk screening of hex signs to wooden disks in 1942. Basing his designs on traditional motifs and colors, Zook created signs which could be sold as colorful souvenirs to tourists. For more information on this craft, contact
Zook's Family Crafts The Hex Place, 3056 US Route 30, Paradise, Pennyslvania 17562, U.S.A.