[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] 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.
The symbol was also used as a chop mark in the woodblock prints of Gustave Baumann (Germ./Amer.