Simple Gifts
sung here by Patricia Cummings
A traditional Shaker dance song, written by Elder Joseph Brackett of Alfred, Maine in 1848.
The Shaker life was the "simple" life of hard work and dedication to God and each other. In another file on this website, our visit to the Sabbathday Lake Shaker Community in Sabbathday Lake, Maine is documented with words and photos. Once a thriving community, based on the teachings of nineteenth century religious zealot, Mother Anne Lee of England, who braved the stormy seas to arrive in America, the setting is now primarily a museum. The only remaining Shakers (four individuals) still live on the site.
Rose of Sharon quilt that now adorns a museum room was made by Shaker hands.
There are many books about Shakers. They are known for their fine craftsmanship, most especially functional furniture. They did not generally make quilts for their own use, preferring more plain bed attire in the way of woven blankets from the sheep they raised.
The vitality of the community depended on the adoption of children from the community and the children of members who joined, especially widows or widowers. In the Shaker world, the sexes were kept separate, entering through different doors to a building, and sitting at different tables.
One of the best books I have ever read about the Shakers is called, The Shakers and the World's People by Flo Morse. There were Shaker communities that extended to Kentucky and as far as Indiana. The Canterbury Shaker of New Hampshire were closely-aligned with the Sabbathday Lake Shakers.
The site in Maine is very peaceful. One gravestone adorns the cemetery and on it is simply the word, "Shakers." In their simplicity, they set an example for the world and taught us about the self-less life, where community obligations are "all" and cooperative living was a necessity.
'Tis The Gift to Be Simple
Quilter's Muse Publications, Concord, NH. pat@quiltersmuse.com