Exploring the Rich Tradition of German Folk Magic in Pennsylvania

German folk magic played a significant role in the history and cultural heritage of Pennsylvania. As the state was settled by a large number of German immigrants, their traditions and belief systems were brought with them and remained influential in the area. **German folk magic** refers to the supernatural practices that were commonly performed by the rural population in Germany. It encompassed a range of rituals, superstitions, and charms that aimed to influence aspects of daily life, such as health, fertility, and protection from evil forces. When German immigrants arrived in Pennsylvania during the 18th and 19th centuries, they brought their magical practices with them. These practices were primarily rooted in the Protestant Christian beliefs of the time and often integrated elements of Catholicism as well.

These practices were primarily rooted in the Protestant Christian beliefs of the time and often integrated elements of Catholicism as well. This combination of religious influences created a unique blend of folk magic that set it apart from other magical traditions in the United States. One prominent aspect of German folk magic was **powwowing**, also known as **braucherei**.

DIY Heat reclaimer

It was like this for years, the oil guy never did or said anything. I pulled it down and told the lady I couldn't put it back like it was . She said OK but her husband did it ten years ago. He's been dead for 6.

The chimney was 90% blocked. The cool temps and poor draft probably is killing the chimney. I tried to get a picture of inside the chiminey.

Just what is inside the magic heat box? fins? Is it supposed to heat the basement?

Neat venting arangement

that arrangement made that oil burner into a non viewable ventless oil fireplace 100% effic. but soetimes fatal.

Just a box with a bunch of tubes thru it, they used to sell them the same place you could buy the fittings to make your spare 50 gal. barrells into wood stoves. those were winners also.

a fan blows through the tubes you see for basement heat and the knob you see is attached to a plate that you pull to clean of the tubes. They were put in by the cart full in the seventies, flue temp has to be over 500 degrees to prevent condensation the the chimney

It isn't the reclaimer that bothers me. It is the venting arrangement, the flue connecter is supposed to slope UP to the chimley.

was just trying to answer a question

I needed a good laugh this morning!

They made those for woodstoves back in the '70s. Real creosote machines. Nothing like killing the draft to cool things off and really get the black stuff growing in your chimney.

I've never seen one on an oil burner before but, as noted, that's a tragedy waiting to happen.

One Homeowner's View: Magic Heat for Gas

After installing a new 175,000 Btu Burnham Independence natural draft gas-fired steam boiler in my Boston-area home, I wanted to try and recapture some of the significant waste heat going up the flue, and discovered Magic Heat for Gas. I read many of the very skeptical posts on HeatingHelp, and approached the decision cautiously. My basement is about 1,000 sq. ft. and used to be about 62 degrees; after installing Magic Heat the temperature is now about 67 degrees, which makes the space quite comfortable for use, and un-musty. The heat from the basement also rises, and warms the floor above, helping the boiler run less often. I expect the Magic Heat will pay for itself in fuel savings in one heating season. And with less fuel being burned, the overall emissions from the boiler are reduced as well. Installation was a little tricky given the tight space and horizontal orientation of the unit, and took me about 5 hours. The manufacturer's installation instructions specify that for safety reasons, the flue gas must be at least 280 degrees F and that the flue draft must be at least 0.06 W.C before the installation (and at least 0.45 W.C BELOW the Magic Heat after the installation). For additional safety, I installed a carbon monoxide (CO) detector right next to the boiler, and have had no problems at all. The First Alert CO614 model I purchased includes a memory feature that records the highest CO level in a 24-hour period, which gives added information to ensure CO is not a problem. Magic Heat is a U.L. listed Heat Reclaimer (915U), seems well made, uses only 20 watts of electricity (when the fan is running), and requires very little maintenance because natural gas produces virtually no soot. I would probably not have been able to use the Magic Heat (due to aforementioned draft and temperature restrictions) had I not previously installed a stainless steel chimney liner when I put in the new boiler. I got great customer service from Magic Heat with my installation questions.

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Just what is inside the magic heat box? fins? Is it supposed to heat the basement?

Powwowing involved the use of prayers, rituals, and folk remedies to heal physical and spiritual ailments. Powwowers, or brauchers, believed that specific words and actions had the power to ward off evil, bring good fortune, and cure various illnesses. These practices were passed down through oral tradition and were often conducted by individuals who possessed innate magical abilities. Herbs and plants played a crucial role in German folk magic, as they were believed to possess specific properties and powers. Certain plants were used for medicinal purposes, while others were used in protective charms or spells. The importance of herbs can still be seen today in the Pennsylvania Dutch traditions, such as the creation of **hex signs**. Hex signs are geometric symbols painted on barns or household items to bring protection, luck, or other desired outcomes. Furthermore, German folk magic in Pennsylvania also included the use of **hexerei**, or witches' spells. Hexerei was often seen as a negative form of magic, associated with hexing and cursing. It was believed that certain individuals possessed the ability to harm others through supernatural means. However, it is important to note that hexerei was not widely practiced and was generally viewed with skepticism by the Pennsylvania German community. German folk magic continues to be practiced and celebrated in Pennsylvania today. Festivals and events, such as the **Kutztown Folk Festival**, highlight the rich traditions and magical practices of the Pennsylvania Dutch community. Visitors can learn about powwowing, herbal remedies, and other aspects of German folk magic that have been passed down through generations. In conclusion, German folk magic had a profound impact on the cultural landscape of Pennsylvania. The magical practices brought by German immigrants influenced the beliefs, traditions, and everyday life of the Pennsylvania Dutch community. Powwowing, herbology, and hex signs are just a few examples of the rich magical heritage that continues to be celebrated in the state..

Reviews for "The Hidden Symbols of German Folk Magic in Pennsylvania's Barns"

1. Jessica - 1/5 stars - I found "German folk magic in Pennsylvania" to be incredibly disappointing. The book promised to delve into the rich history and traditions of German folk magic, but instead, it was filled with a mishmash of poorly researched information and personal anecdotes. It became evident that the author had not done their due diligence in understanding the subject matter, resulting in a disjointed and shallow exploration of the topic. Overall, I would not recommend this book to anyone seeking a comprehensive and accurate understanding of German folk magic.

2. Thomas - 2/5 stars - As a person interested in German folklore and magic, I was excited to read "German folk magic in Pennsylvania." However, I was sorely disappointed by the book's lack of depth and coherence. The author seemed to jump from one topic to another without establishing a clear narrative or providing any substantial evidence for their claims. Additionally, the writing style was dry and unengaging, making it difficult to stay interested in the book. While it did contain some interesting anecdotes, they were not enough to salvage the overall lackluster content. I would advise potential readers to seek out more well-researched and comprehensive books on the subject.

3. Andrew - 2/5 stars - "German folk magic in Pennsylvania" failed to live up to my expectations. The book lacked a clear structure and seemed to be more of a collection of loosely related stories rather than a cohesive exploration of German folk magic. I was also disappointed by the lack of depth in the author's research, as it often felt like surface-level information that could be easily found online. The book missed an opportunity to provide a deep insight into the subject matter and left me wanting more substantial content. Overall, I did not find this book to be a valuable resource for anyone genuinely interested in German folk magic.

4. Emily - 1/5 stars - I regret wasting my time on "German folk magic in Pennsylvania." The book was a jumbled mess of misinformation and poorly supported claims. It was evident that the author lacked a solid understanding of German folk magic, as many of the explanations and examples provided were superficial and inaccurate. The book also lacked credible sources and references, making it difficult to trust the presented information. I would strongly discourage anyone from relying on this book as a reliable source of knowledge on the topic.

The Power of Hex Signs: German Folk Magic in Pennsylvania's Amish Country