The Moravians are the first group of protestants, predating Lutherans by about 100 years. What makes this religious group unique?
Choir System: Moravian Church members lived in groups called choirs and were separated based on sex, age, and marital status. This system included choirs for boys, girls, single men, single women, married men, married women, widows, and widowers. Choirs were led by a Choir Helper who acted as a leader for the group. The Moravians saw these groups as their spiritual families since those in a group would be going through similar life experiences at the same time. Different colored ribbons were worn by Moravian women to indicate which choirs they were a part of. Little girls wore bright red, older girls wore burgundy, single sisters wore pink, married sisters wore blue, and widows wore white. Each choir ate their meals together and worshipped together. When financially possible, each choir lived together in their own house. Eventually, Married couples would live in their own houses.
The Lot: Used by Church members to make decisions about a variety of different matters, the Lot played a crucial role in the development of Moravian society in Wachovia. A lot box contained scrolls that each indicated a different answer, with one always indicating “yes” and one always indicating “no.” There would be a blank answer that would be interpreted as “wait.” The Lot would stop being consulted in the 19th Century.
Education: Both Moravian men and women, including enslaved Moravians, were educated, and education started as young as six years old. They were taught how to read and write in German and later to read and write in English, bible studies, math, and music lessons. This education was not free. Schooling would typically end around the age of 15, and the children would move to the Single Sister and Single Brother Choirs. White Moravian boys around this time would often become apprenticed to a tradesman.
Marriage: Moravians had to go through a process and reach milestones to be seen as ready to marry within the Moravian Church. Among other factors considered when a Single Brother was interested in marriage, they also had to be able to prove they could support a family. If a Single Brother was found ready to marry, the Choir Helper of the Single Brother’s Choir would approach the Choir Helper of the Single Sister’s Choir. Names of a potential single sister would be discussed if a name had not been brought up by the Single Brother. The Single Brother’s preference would be considered first. If all agreed that the couple would make a good fit, the Lot was addressed. If the blank answer was drawn, the Single Brother could make another suggestion, or the Choir Helpers would choose a second potential bride. Single Sisters always had the right to refuse marriage proposals.
Lovefeasts: Lovefeasts are a religious service consisting of song, and Moravians share a simple meal together, usually bread and coffee. Lovefeasts were held for different celebratory occasions, such as weddings, birthdays, and welcoming friends. They were held when the Moravians wished to have the Lord’s blessing during a semi-social gathering or church service. Lovefeasts continue today in the Moravian Church.
Bibliography & Further Reading:
Crews, C. Daniel, and Richard Starbuck. With Courage for the Future: The Story of the Moravian Church, Southern Province. Winston-Salem, NC: Moravian Church in America, Southern Province, 2002.
Faull, Katherine, trans. Moravian Women's Memoirs. Women and Gender in North America Religions. Syracuse, NY: Syracuse University Press, 1997.
Faull, Katherine. Speaking to Body and Soul: Instructions for the Moravian Choir Helpers, 1785-1786. University Park, PA: Pennsylvania State University Press, 2017.
Fries, Adelaide, ed. Records of the Moravians in North Carolina. Volume I: 1752-1771.
