Night of 1,000 Hexes

Fri., Nov. 27, 7 p.m., free, Germ Books + Gallery, 2005 Frankford Ave., 215-423-5002, germbooks.com.

by Julia West

[ lecture ]

Hunter Yoder believes that hex signs, those quaint artworks depicting birds, flowers and trees that are sprinkled throughout Pennsylvania Dutch culture, are just as relevant today as they were in the 19th century. "They have a positive effect on any environment and anybody," he says. "Just having them present will have a positive effect on someone's life." His presentation with Patricia Hall will cover the history and culture of hexology, as well as the superstition that hex signs provide good luck and protection from evil. "Patricia knows about the magical intentions, shamanism and the witchcraft involved," says Yoder. He cites Philadelphia — specifically Germantown — as the origin of Pennsylvania Dutch art. "Having the presentation at Germ is coming back to the source — in the new world."

Fri., Nov. 27, 7 p.m., free, Germ Books + Gallery, 2005 Frankford Ave., 215-423-5002, germbooks.com.