Hex signs like the three decorating this billboard promoting local tourism are a common decorative feature on barns and other outbuildings on farms in this part of the country. Usually circular in shape, they range from monochrome geometric designs to colorful stylized representations of certain birds, plants and other design elements. Now viewed as mere ornamentation, the custom arose in a more superstitious time when the symbols were intended to solicit blessings like fertility, wealth, love, and peace.