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Etching of a Moravian "Lovefeast," circa 1750.
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Girls and women gathered on one side of the vast room, and men and boys on the other.

Credit: Moravian Historical Society

In the 1700s, the Moravians and other German pietist groups reintroduced the ancient Christian tradition of the Agape, or Lovefeast, to share a meal in Christian fellowship. Moravian Lovefeasts, held on Christmas eve and other notable dates in the Christian calendar, were joyous events filled with music. In this etching one can see girls and women gathered on one side of the room, and men and boys on the other.

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