Name: ___________________

A Day No Pigs Would Die

Creeds, Credos, Anthems & Beliefs
The Shaker group believes in many things, although all of them are not
shown accurately in A Day No Pigs Would Die. What is shown clearly and
correctly though in the novel is the Shaker dedication to manners, respect,
God, family and self-sufficiency. To see more clearly what Shakers believe,
read the excerpt from the Shaker Creed as well as “The Shaker Melody”.
You will be asked to use these as models to create your own credo, creed or
belief statement.

About the Shaker Creed:

From "Needful Counsel," Gentle Manners
Published by the Shaker Community at New Lebanon, New York: 1823

"Whoever would live long and happy, let him observe the following
rules:
Let your thoughts be rational, solid, godly.
Let your conversation be little, useful, true.
Let your conduct be profitable, virtuous, charitable.
Let your manners be sober, courteous, cheerful.
Let your diet be temperate, wholesome, sober.
Let your apparel be frugal, neat, comely.
Let your sleep be moderate, quiet, seasonable.
Let your recreations be lawful, brief, seldom.
Let your prayers be short, devout, sincere."

The Shaker Melody – Tis The Gift To Be Simple

by Elder Joseph Brackett - 1848

'Tis the gift to be simple, 'tis the gift to be free,

'Tis the gift to come down where we ought to be,
 And when we find ourselves in the place just right,
'Twill be in the valley of love and delight.

When true simplicity is gain'd,

To bow and to bend we shan't be asham'd,
To turn, turn 'twill be our delight,
Till by turning, turning we come round right.

'Tis the gift to be loved and that love to return,

'Tis the gift to be taught and a richer gift to learn,
And when we expect of others what we try to live each day,
Then we'll all live together and we'll all learn to say,

When true simplicity is gain'd,

To bow and to bend we shan't be asham'd,
To turn, turn 'twill be our delight,
Till by turning, turning we come round right.

'Tis the gift to have friends and a true friend to be,

'Tis the gift to think of others not to only think of "me",
And when we hear what others really think and really feel,
Then we'll all live together with a love that is real.

When true simplicity is gain'd,

To bow and to bend we shan't be asham'd,
To turn, turn 'twill be our delight,
Till by turning, turning we come round right.

First Step – Understanding The Shakers & How They Expressed

Their Beliefs. Answer the question below as a quick way to process the
meanings and impact of the creed and melody.

1.) What gifts are celebrated in the song and what beliefs are shared in
the creed? Pick two from each that are significant to the Shakers or speak
to you personally and tell why.

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Second Step – Understanding How Beliefs Impact Our Lives.
Continue following the prompts.

2.) With your group, brainstorm a list below naming all of the groups or
communities you are a part of. Put an * next to those groups that are
influenced or impacted by your own personal set of beliefs.

1.) _________________________ 10.) ________________________

2.) _________________________ 11.) ________________________

3.) _________________________ 12.) ________________________

4.) _________________________ 13.) ________________________

5.) _________________________ 14.) ________________________

6.) _________________________ 15.) ________________________

7.) _________________________ 16.) ________________________

8.) ________________________ 17.) ________________________

9.) _________________________ 18.) ________________________

The point of naming all the communities you are a member of or the roles
you play in your life is to make it obvious to you how you cannot separate
yourself from your beliefs, teachings or values. They are part of you that
show themselves in your actions, decisions, clothes and words.
Big Question--- Do you think the words you use, the decisions you make,
and the clothes you wear really represent what you think your beliefs are
clearly? Just think about it!

Third Step – Writing Your Beliefs. Continue following the prompts.

With your group, select one community that most of you are a part of
(everyone must be at least familiar with the group) and write a belief
statement (creed, credo or anthem) for that group.

• You will want to brainstorm your group’s qualities, goals and values so
they are represented clearly.

• You should use 10-20 lines to express your group’s ideas. You may use
any rhymes scheme or format you deem appropriate for your ideas.
• State clearly if your creed/credo/anthem/belief statement is set to a
specific tune.

• You will present your group’s work tomorrow to the class and one full
copy of the writing will need to be turned for display on Thursday,
December 17, 2009. Be sure to list each group member on the final copy.