Shaker Movie!

I'm back from my long sojourn out west, which went quite successfully. I'll post pictures from the trip soon. I ended up seeing so much more than planned which doesn't say much since the trip was never that well planned out to begin with. I haven't blogged in so long that it feels strange, but I really can't wait to get back to it full throttle. I missed it so, but it was very difficult while on the road. And my new laptop seems to dislike unsecured hotel networks, so internet connection proved to be more frustrating than worthwhile.

Yesterday I thought about posting something about the road trip I took, but it didn't seem right. I wondered what my next post would be and it didn't hit me until a few minutes ago. I came and sat down at the computer and wanted to find a nice Shaker quote to read before bed, but instead I typed "shaker tradition" into the google search engine, and what I found was more than I ever could have asked for. A link to an invaluable website called Folk Streams. This site I found years ago and then lost the ability to find it again! This was meant to be, as they have a 30 minute video on the Shakers that I have been longing to see again ever since the first time I came across it.

It features historical accounts and narrative excerpts from the 1800's, Shaker dances and song, and rare photography of Shaker dwellings and farmland. I am so excited to have found this again.

If you watch and enjoy the video you might also be interested in Ken Burn's interpretation of Shaker religion and lifeways, called "The Shakers: Hands to Work, Hearts to God". You can find used copies online for purchase ... but sadly the DVD is becoming more and more difficult to find in good condition as it is no longer being produced by PBS. I recommend buying it before it becomes impossible to acquire! There is great insight into the Shakers as a people, not just about their fine furniture! :0)

Shaker Pacifist Hymns and the War

"Dark is the cloud that rests over the nation,
Wild is the war cry that pierces the air.
God's heavy judgments spread wide desolation,
Strong hearts are bound in the depths of despair."

Would you believe this Civil War hymn came to a young girl in a dream? It is true. That girl was Shaker society member Cecilia Devere of New Lebanon, New York who lived from 1836 to 1912. One of the Shaker sisters that roomed with her scribbled this song down after being awoken by Devere singing the song aloud three different times.

This took place in 1862. There would be three more years of war.

Since the Shakers were pacifists they did not participate in battle, but their concern for all parties was apparent and enduring. They hoped to bring peace to the horrific turmoil through prayer and song. Devere's hymn is called "A Prayer for the Captive." I have posted only the first stanza of the song because I cannot, as of yet, find the full hymn. But it's chilling to consider this young pacifist creating a song of such clarity in her sleep, and with a poetic grace and poignancy.

Legend has it that on the day President Lincoln was buried, "A Prayer for the Captive" was sung in every Shaker community with no previous arrangement or understanding. Oooooooo...spooky.


**The painting shown at the top of this post is by 18th century artist Frederic Edwin Church, called "Our Banner in the Sky". Circa 1863. Do you see the banner?

I admire Church's style too much to even explain. Take a look at more of his paintings here. Just type his name into the search bar...and view the wonders he created! Even select some for purchase!

Also, check out my brother-in-law's painting that reminds me of Church's work. Amazing Daniel!