Heart in hand

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 used by the Shakers[1] as a pictorial 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 your 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]

Currier and Ives print from c1874: "Friendship, Love, and Truth"
This article is about the symbol. For the band, see Heart in Hand (band). For the song, see Heart in Hand (song).
Detail of a gravestone in Indian Mound Cemetery in Romney, West Virginia, United States

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-18th century. These commonly display three linked rings representing friendship, love, and truth.[1]

The symbol originated as the seal of the Protestant Reformer John Calvin, and thus appears in the official seal of Calvin College with Calvin's motto, "My heart I offer to you LORD, promptly and sincerely."[4][5]

The symbol is also frequently associated with Amish communities.

The symbol was also used as a chop mark in the woodblock prints of Gustave Baumann (Germ./Amer. 1881-1971).

See also

Notes
  1. "Heart in Hand". About.com. Archived from the original on 2007-12-21. Retrieved 2007-08-08.
  2. "Art from the Lodge Hall: An American Cultural Tradition". Bruce Webb. Retrieved 2007-08-08.
  3. "Heart-in-Hand Cookies". Spatulatta: Cooking 4 kids online. Archived from the original on 2007-06-26. Retrieved 2007-08-08.
  4. "John Calvin: The Reformer and Educator". PCA Christian Education and Publications. Retrieved 2013-04-03.
  5. The Theology of John Calvin, page xiv. Westminster John Knox Press. January 2008. ISBN 9780664231194. Retrieved 2013-04-03.
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