Heart in Hand

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Heart in Hand or Heart-in-Hand is a symbol of a heart in an open palm,[1] and is symbolic of charity, given from the heart.[2] It is an easily recognizable symbol in the Northeastern United States and originated with the Shakers.[1] The symbol is a pictoral reminder of the words of Mother Ann Lee, the founder of the Shaker sect, who promoted a simple life of hard work and spirituality, "Put you hands to work, and your hearts to God."[1][3] The image is typical of the Shaker attitude, and also implies a loving welcome.[1]

A heart in hand has also been a symbol of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows,[1] a fraternal organization derived from English Oddfellows orders of the mid-1700s. These commonly display three linked rings representing friendship, love, and truth.[1]

The symbol is also frequently associated with Amish communities.

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  1. ^ a b c d e f Heart in Hand. About.com. Retrieved on 2007-08-08.
  2. ^ Art from the Lodge Hall: An American Cultural Tradition. Bruce Webb. Retrieved on 2007-08-08.
  3. ^ Heart-in-Hand Cookies. Spatulatta: Cooking 4 kids online. Retrieved on 2007-08-08.