Frank,

My husband is a Quaker and he tells me that originally the description "Quaker" was used as a slur (the official name of the denomination is the "Society of Friends") but they started using the name themselves. And they didn't (don't) quake as a ritual or practice, but they meet silently in meditation and sometimes, some members are moved physically and emotionally by the Spirit of God. Shakers were an offshoot of Quakers, the founder of the Shakers had been a Quaker. They danced ritual dances, but again, shook as a response to the Spirit of God. They lived communaly and were quite innovative. A drawback to Shakers growth was the celibacy part. (Makes it a little hard to recruit and they didn't "grow" new members.) The song Simple Gifts was part of a ritual dance they did as part of their religious practice. For example "When true simplicity is gained...to BOW AND BEND we shant be ashamed. To turn, turn will be our delight, till turning turning we come 'round right. This part describes the movements of the dance. Their are some wonderful settlements in Kentucky if anyone is particularly interested.

Quakers never had a celibacy vow-why do you think they're called the Society of Friends? :-)