Shakers

Shakers

Shakers, also known as the United Society of Believers in Christ's Second Appearing, were a religious group that originated in England in the 18th century. The group was founded by Ann Lee, who believed that she was the second coming of Christ and that celibacy was the path to salvation. Shakers were known for their ecstatic worship services, which involved dancing, singing, and shaking, hence their nickname. Shakers believed in communal living and shared all property and resources. They were known for their high-quality craftsmanship, particularly in furniture-making, and their simple, functional designs became highly sought after. Shaker communities were self-sufficient and produced their own food, clothing, and other necessities. Despite their success, the Shakers faced challenges in maintaining their communities. Celibacy meant that they could not reproduce, and they relied on converts and orphans to maintain their numbers. As society became more industrialized, the appeal of communal living and manual labor declined, and many Shaker communities were forced to close. Today, there are only a few Shakers left, and the group is considered to be on the brink of extinction. However, their legacy lives on in their furniture designs and in the values of simplicity, hard work, and communal living that they espoused.

United Society of Believers, communal living, celibacy, furniture-making, simplicity

— Thomas Johnson

CITATION : "Thomas Johnson. 'Shakers.' Design+Encyclopedia. https://design-encyclopedia.com/define/shakers?E=368197 (Accessed on October 13, 2026)"