THIS 1788 American baptismal certificate is a an example of fraktur, religious folk art by the Pennsylvania Germans (also known as Pennsylvania Dutch) which was comprised of elaborate calligraphy and colorful drawings of birds, tulips, hearts and other elements of nature. Fraktur included baptismal certificates, marriage and household blessings, illustrated words of wisdom, and book plates. This Taufschein, or baptismal certificate, would have been a cherished family possession. Over the Christmas holiday, I saw a small exhibit of fraktur and was struck by their remarkable beauty and reverence for family life and children.

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