Message Boards

A friend of mine has this quilt dated 1907-1909 and I was curious as to what the symbol means. She says good luck or good living. Just wondering if anyone has any info on it? TIA

I believe that is Friendship....nice summer quilt there.

Looks like 4 F's, I'd vote for friendship too.

Looks like a swastika design. Pre-Hitler it was used as a symbol for good luck or good fortune by some native Americans. It was also used in Japan as a map symbol indicating a temple or holy area. Pretty quilt, love the color

very interesting and cute. Friendship sounds good. I know i've seen the swirls going in both directions but not ones that look like F's.

Only at a glance would you think of swastika first. This one has too many bars for it to be one.

I have no idea what it used to represent. Nice work on it though.

I think the signatures? on one F in each block fit with the friendship idea.

Looks like there's signatures on it too so friendship makes sense. Wonder if it was made for FrNd Farmer and Fanny Farmer? LOL

I love Wikipedia! The father of gymnastics Frederich Jahn used FFFF:
Jahn popularized the motto "Frisch, Fromm, Fröhlich, Frei" ("Hardy, Pious, Cheerful, Free") in the early 19th century. Perhaps this was made by or for a German or gymnast.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: EvelynB,

Four F's is common on beer steins. I thought it was an ornate cross.

Interesting article about followers of Jahn who immigrated:
http://www.cincinnativiews.net/turners.htm