Long before the foment and radicalism of the 1960s, the U.S. was beset with communes and seekers. Amongst the antebellum reformers were the Shakers, formally known as the United Society of Believers in Christ's Second Appearing. Quite a mouthful, you must admit, so let's go stick with Shakers.
The group was originally founded in 1747 Britain by "Mother Ann" Lee, who, after suffering the loss of several children, claimed to have been blessed with divine revelations. Among these was the belief that Eden fell because of sexual practices, she had been called to create a new paradise in preparation for the return of Jesus, and her role was that of creator of the new Kingdom of Christ. Originally, her followers were primarily women, but eventually she attracted men as well as married couples.
But the major tenant here was that sex was not a good thing. As a matter of fact, it was the root of all evil, so to speak. As a result, the Shakers were celibate--even if married upon joining the movement. All that tension and frustration had to be released in one form or another, so they were free and vigorous in their worship, thus acquiring the term which described them quite literally. They sang, danced, gyrated, shouted, and jumped. Let's just say a Shaker meeting was enthusiastic--they shook things up.
I mentioned their influence in America earlier. That came about because Mother Ann and a handful of followers immigrated in the early 1770s. The religion spread quite quickly, despite their obvious and sole reliance on converts (they certainly did not make more of their own), and at one point they occupied hundreds of small communes. These were charismatic people who believed in gender equality. They also adopted orphans and the homeless into their villages and lifestyle.
And their ways were unique. By this point, Mother Ann considered herself the actual Second Coming in feminine form, so she and her chosen Elders made all decisions. Men and women were literally separate but equal--equal rights and housing, education and food, but they lived separately to the point of sitting on opposite sides of auditoriums or meeting houses. Temptation was to be avoided at all costs. If a husband and wife joined the group together, a legal divorce would not be necessary, for they would be split asunder for all intents and purposes. Marriage was not considered a Christian union, as it, by nature, contradicted the teachings of celibacy.
Since these were communes rather than townships, no one owned anything, not even their children. Family houses were built dormitory style and housed men, women, boys, and girls. The male faction performed traditional, primarily outdoor, tasks, while women kept the quarters and clothing and did the cooking--surprising for such a wildly liberal group. In spite of such close living, there was still no sexual contact on pain of expulsion. When children reached 21, they were free to leave, and the majority did.
Any commune has to be self-sufficient, so the populace farmed, herded, milked, and weaved, but they were, for a time, large, so a bit more was needed. Their simplicity, for they reviled any ornate or decorous objects, was well known, and they developed a style of furnishing their homes that is still popular today. Any bookstore or furniture gallery will offer something relating to Shaker furniture, which they themselves originally sold as a means of support.
Their folk music was also inspirational. One piece in particular, the a cappella "Simple Gifts," inspired the great Aaron Copeland to write his masterful "Appalachian Spring." It can be purchased today and often appears on soundtracks.
For obvious reasons, the population of Shakers gradually and then more quickly, dissipated. Ann Lee died in 1784, only 48 years old. Elders followed her in death, children grew and drifted away, other religions sprang up to attract some members, and many began to see the Shaker way as extreme, preferring a more moderate lifestyle. Today, these original "hippies" are primarily known for their design contributions. Even those who own Shaker pieces have no understanding of the twitching and shouting in excitement that characterized the original designers.
But if you'd like to see for yourself, the Sabbathday Lake Village has existed for over 200 years. The members number only three and accept adult converts. The National Park is a successful working farm and houses a museum.
Check it out http://www.nps.gov/history/nr/travel/shaker/sab.htm
And remember that not all Shakers are, by definition, salty. Forgive the play on words.
VK
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