distelfink

Examples

• In Pennsylvania Dutch country, the distelfink — a goldfinch that eats thistle seeds and builds thistledown nests — is a good-luck bird. It also symbolizes smooth sailing and tranquility and is often found on colorful hex signs, a form of Pennsylvania Dutch folk art commonly found painted on barns in Berks County, where I was born.

  Sue Kovach Shuman, 'Hunt for Hex Signs in Penn Dutch Country,' Cape Cod Online, April 8, 2012

• The Dutch Festival's hex sign consists of two birds, known as Double Distelfink, symbolizing 'doubled' good luck and happiness. The tulips represent faith, hope and charity in dealing with others, while the surrounded hearts mean love.

  'Defining Hanover's Hex Sign,' Gettysburg Times, July 28, 2004

• I almost went for a double distelfink, which promises double good luck, but this one has two birds and a tulip on it, and I wanted something a little more virile, like the Mighty Oak.

  Ralph Bernstein, 'Maybe the Hexes Will Help the Phillies,' Reading Eagle, July 7 1970