There have been far too many heated debates about the purpose of decoration among the Pennsylvania Dutch. Some say it’s “just for nice,” others point to deeper meanings — even back to pagan symbolism.

Early on, Pennsylvania Dutch families documented loved ones with fraktur, especially birth- and baptismal certificates, that were often tucked away in drawers and chests, or perhaps folded and safeguarded in the family Bible.

This week on my loom are some placemats in a pattern that I’ve called “Meadow Valley.” Meadow Valley is located just west of Ephrata (Lancaster County) in an idyllic setting around the tiny Meadow Run.