that creepy creepy state...

**Taffy_is_a_Taff** · 11-08-2005, 22:37

Zorba:
would it make you feel better if I edited it to include a rant about those beardy cart-drivers? I can add *fist shaking* too.

**Reverend Joe** · 11-09-2005, 03:27

Originally Posted by Taffy_is_a_Taff

Zorba:
would it make you feel better if I edited it to include a rant about those beardy cart-drivers? I can add *fist shaking* too.

I'll just provide a link to the Beaver County Milita. I don't think anything you could possibly post could equal the insanity of these mad militamen.

**Gregoshi** · 11-09-2005, 04:06

Well Taffy, there is no real "magic" - at least the way one typically thinks of magic and it is based on a myth. The common myth of the hex signs on the barns of the Pennsylvania "Dutch" is that they were to ward off evil spirits. The simpler and apparently more correct explanation is that they are just decorations (The Story of the Hex Sign). If you want to see what hex signs look like, here is a link to an online hex sign catalog of a place I occassionally drive by in the town of Paradise: The Hex Place.

They are pretty cool to see on a barn and one of the things that gives some character to this part of Pennsylvania. BTW, I'm guessing the reason you think PA is creepy, is because it sounds similar to Transylvania - though I'm sure some of the odd news stories about PA folks posted in the Backroom this past year has helped with that creepy feeling you are getting.

**Taffy_is_a_Taff** · 11-10-2005, 03:18

cheers,

nah, I find it creepy because I read all these books called things like "Weird U.S." and Pennsylvania comes over as a spooky place, especially in the country.

Also, the survival of some very old style German culture is quite groovy.

Disappointing to hear that the barns may not be painted with special symbols.

I want to find out more about the pow wow magic stuff. I have heard that it was a mixture of German and native folk magic (like charms, potions and all that stuff).

Any first hand knowledge from the PA boys?

Edit: and thanks for the links.

Edit: and is that medical curiosities museum in Philadelphia worth a visit?

**Gregoshi** · 11-10-2005, 03:29

I don't know what you are referring to Taffy. Don't recall ever hearing about any "pow wow magic" having to do with the Pennsylvania Dutch (German) - and all my grandparents spoke Pennsylvania Dutch. Let's put it this way, if there is any such thing having to do with potions, charms, etc., it must be from long, long ago...unless there were too many beers being down at the local fire hall.

Maybe if you cite a specific example it will help.

Edit: I don't know from personal experience if the medical curiosities museum is worth the visit, but it does look interesting from some of the Discovery Channel type shows I've seen about it. I say "interesting" if you aren't squeemish about such things.

Edit #2: I forgot to mention that I took a ghost walk tour of downtown Gettysburg last year with the family. That in itself was very goosebump-inducingly creepy.

**English assassin** · 11-10-2005, 10:56

By strange coincidence my aunt-in-law lives in Pennsylvania and as a result I can catagorically confirm that witchcraft is alive and well in Pennsylvania.

Also, Philly cheese steaks are plainly the invention of Satan.

**Gregoshi** · 11-10-2005, 14:05

Ea, there are lots of pretty rural areas of the state so that is entirely possible. They must also keep a very low profile because word of them doesn't get out to the rest of the state - even during the TV ratings "sweeps" months were the local TV news casts trot out all their really weird stories to attract viewers.