Holy Order Song
A Shaker hymn from the United Society of Believers. This sacred song was used during worship meetings where believers would march, dance, and sing together.
The Shakers (United Society of Believers in Christ's Second Appearing) developed a rich tradition of sacred song, much of it accompanied by choreographed movement and dance. Their communities in Maine and throughout New England produced hundreds of songs. The Shakers believed that song, dance, and labor were all forms of prayer.
Shakers have also always been active farmers, innovating the seed business and running orderly and productive farms wherever they had communities. The herb garden at Sabbathday Lake in Maine is a notable piece of Agricultural history, and shakers are still selling products made of these herbs. Drop by their booth at the Common Ground Fair in Unity, Maine each September.
- Daniel W. Patterson, The Shaker Spiritual (1979)
- Sabbathday Lake Shaker Library collections
- Boston Camerata recordings of Shaker music
Lyrics
This wordless Shaker song is typically sung using the sounds 'lo do lo'
Sources
Shaker tradition, United Society of Believers, Sabbathday Lake, Maine.