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I gather that there's no real consensus whether they're supposed to have any magical power or are just decoration; nor whether the "hex" is in the sense of a charm, or because many of the designs are hexagonal. Language is so much fun!

Peter

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In hindu mythology*, to ask for or to grant a boon is basically to grant you your desire which can be a blessing or a curse. I do not know whether that word fits your requirements.
Eta: *in all mythology

Last edited by Avy; 01/25/11 11:14 AM.
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Originally Posted By: Faldage
I have it in my mind that the Amish have what are called hex signs on their barns and they're there to ward off evil. That would be a kind of blessing.


Is it a standard saying?
Can you post what it is?

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Originally Posted By: Candy
Originally Posted By: Faldage
I have it in my mind that the Amish have what are called hex signs on their barns and they're there to ward off evil. That would be a kind of blessing.


Is it a standard saying?
Can you post what it is?


I'm not sure what part of this you asking if it's a standard saying. And Tromboniator is right, it's from Pennsylvania Dutch. According to the AHD we got the word hex from Pennsylvania Dutch where it referred to sorcery, which could be used for good or evil, I suppose. We, in our callous disregard for meanings of words in languages we steal them from, narrowed it down to a the evil aspect.

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How about Omen.

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Omen to me has quite a threatening connotation. Fate or destiny
more neutral?

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depends on your POV

Omen–noun
1.anything perceived or happening that is believed to portend a good or evil event or circumstance in the future; portent.
2.a prognostic.
3.prophetic significance; presage: a bird of ill omen.

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Red sky at night, sailors delight: Good Omen.

An Omen can be good or bad.

Last edited by LukeJavan8; 01/26/11 12:12 AM.

----please, draw me a sheep----
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back to the OP; what's wanted is blessing AND curse, not blessing OR curse?

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Originally Posted By: olly
depends on your POV

Omen–noun
1.anything perceived or happening that is believed to portend a good or evil event or circumstance in the future; portent.
2.a prognostic.
3.prophetic significance; presage: a bird of ill omen.


Correct: POV.
Red sky in morning, sailors take warning. Thus omen
can be good and/or bad.


----please, draw me a sheep----
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