There’s a misconception that the Amish are against using electricity, but in reality, different groups have varying perspectives on this. While some devout groups strictly follow the teachings against electricity, others are more flexible. The Amish have a belief called “Gelassenheit,” which means “letting be,” stressing the importance of using the Earth as originally intended by God and living as people did before the age of technology.
The distinctive appearance of Amish men, particularly their beards, is a reflection of their adherence to living as God created them. In the 1800s, mustaches were associated with wealth, high standing, and the military, so the Amish chose to keep the beard but forgo the mustache as part of their commitment to a simpler lifestyle.
What Do They Call Outsiders?
Similarly to how non-magic people are called “Muggles” in J.K. Rowling’s wizarding world, outsiders in the Amish community are referred to as “English,” regardless of their background. This term originates from historical immigration patterns when the Amish couldn’t refer to outsiders as Americans because they themselves were American.
A Taste of the Real World
While Amish parents recognize the differences between their insulated community and the outside world, some children may feel drawn to experience life beyond the community. This curiosity is often seen as a natural part of adolescence, and Amish parents believe that allowing their teens to explore the outside world may help them make an informed decision about staying in the community.
The Concept of “Rumspringa”
“Rumspringa,” meaning “running around,” is a phase where Amish teenagers between 14 and 18 are given the opportunity to temporarily leave the community and experience life outside. This tradition acknowledges the natural curiosity of teenagers and serves as a rite of passage.
When “Running Around” Leads to More
The “Rumspringa” experience is not limited to a specific time frame and can last as long as the individual wishes. Some teens may choose to return to the community after a short period, while others may take more time to explore life outside the Amish society before deciding whether to rejoin their family and community.
Choosing the Amish Life
After completing their “Rumspringa” experience, teenagers who decide to return to the Amish community are officially welcomed into the faith through baptism. However, some may ultimately choose to remain outside the community, and they are not necessarily exiled; they are always welcome to return and be initiated into the community.
The Scary DollsThe Amish community is known for its simplistic lifestyle and unique customs that differ from mainstream society. Instead of fancy toys and dolls, Amish children play with simple homemade dolls devoid of faces to emphasize that appearances are not important. This may help combat body image issues that arise from social media use. The Amish also have unconventional ways of memorializing events, such as the passing of a loved one, as they do not rely on photographs or paintings.
In the realm of dating and marriage, the Amish have strict rules. They allow young couples to “sleep” together as part of a tradition known as “bundling.” However, this practice involves being fully clothed and not touching each other. The Amish community also has no matchmakers and does not condone arranged marriages, but rather encourages dating within their limited community. Marriages are only allowed between individuals who are baptized and dating is only permitted in public areas. Furthermore, the path to marriage requires the approval of the church and the entire Amish community.
Weddings in the Amish community are a modest affair, with the bride not wearing any makeup or jewelry, and typically donning a blue dress instead of the traditional white. Additionally, the Amish tradition involves celebrating honeymoons at their parents’ house and visiting each other’s relatives as a way of marking the start of married life. This unconventional approach differs significantly from mainstream society’s expectations for weddings and honeymoons.The newlywed couple lives with the bride’s parents until they can move into their own home.
The Amish community is known for coming together to help a neighbor in need, such as in the construction of new barns through a practice called “barn-raising.”
The Amish lifestyle, which includes consuming organic, homegrown produce and avoiding alcohol and cigarettes, is believed to contribute to their overall good health, with low reported cases of cancer and serious illnesses.
In addition to speaking their native German tongue, the Amish also speak English and Pennsylvania Dutch, using each language for different aspects of their lives.
The Amish have a particular age requirement for baptism, as they believe it should be a conscious choice made by the individual, with most being baptized between the ages of 16 and 24.
The Amish have two reference books, the Bible and The Ordnung, which serve as a guide for their daily lives, outlining their customs and rules.
While Mennonites share similarities in dress and customs with the Amish, they are a distinct Christian group that embraces modernity and technology, unlike the more traditional Amish.
The Amish community has rules and consequences for individuals who violate their ethics or code, with the possibility of being banished from the community for repeated misbehavior.The Amish community has some strict rules that have been enforced for years. One of them is the concept of “Meidung,” which means being shunned by the community, and can even lead to “Bann,” a total excommunication. This is done to make the individual reflect on their wrongdoing and sincerely apologize.
The Amish also reject the idea of fashion and vanity and prefer simple and modest clothing. The community believes in equality and discourages standing out or making a statement with one’s clothes.
Due to their small and isolated community, the Amish face a problem of interbreeding which leads to genetic risks, particularly when first cousins marry and have children together.
The Amish also have strict rules against DNA testing and education. They believe that learning beyond the 8th grade is unnecessary and formal education isn’t required. The community members focus on tasks that do not require a university education.
The Amish do not believe in building churches and have a different perspective on places of worship. For them, God is everywhere and lives within people, so they can initiate a church service anywhere with a gathering of people, whether it’s outside, in someone’s home, or on the farm.
The Amish do not believe in flaunting their beliefs and are against any type of tension or competition regarding religion. They are a peaceful and close-knit community that values humility and simplicity.The Amish community doesn’t believe in competition or superiority over other cultures. They live their lives peacefully and respect other cultures, despite having different beliefs. The Amish see arrogance as a sin, which keeps them grounded.
The Amish strongly believe that birth control is unethical and unnecessary, as they believe in letting things happen as God intended. They do not interfere with the natural order of things and do not believe in contraception. They view being pregnant as a miracle and a blessing from God, and having a large family is important to them. This is evident as the average Amish couple can have as many as 7 children.
The Amish are pacifists and refuse to join the military. They are focused on preserving their peaceful way of living and upholding their Christian duties without using any force on others.
“Love thy neighbor” is an important tenet within the Amish community. They participate in activities like “barn-raising” to bring the community together, and all physical labor is performed without modern technology or physical aides, showcasing their selflessness.
The Amish enjoy traditional board games as a way to pass the time, as they do not have modern technology or social media. They are fans of games like Scrabble, Settlers of Catan, and Monopoly.
Hunting is a common activity for Amish men to provide for their families, while the women traditionally stay at home and wait for the men to return with game meat. Birding, a refined version of hunting, is also popular, with some Amish communities favoring this activity over traditional hunting.
Yodeling is practiced within the Swiss Amish community of Adams County, IN, as explored in the book ‘Plain Diversity: Amish Cultures and Identities’ by Steven Nolt and Thomas Meyers. They yodel both German-language folksongs and English-language ballads, showcasing their ethnic tradition.
Times…
The Amish engage in various activities to pass the time, including attending auctions. These events are enjoyed by people of all ages, offering the excitement of bidding and the opportunity to socialize while eating and drinking. It’s intriguing to imagine the range of items that could be auctioned, from livestock and haybales to clothing and old collectibles from past generations.
Everyday Life
In an interview on ‘ Amish America’, an anonymous Amishman from Lancaster County shared some candid insights about life in the community. This provides an interesting perspective on Amish life, acknowledging their indifference to media attention and the absence of a desire for positive press. It’s an honest portrayal of their perspective.
The Light of the World
For the Amish, their primary duty is to serve as a beacon of light in the world, spreading the truth of Christ as outlined in the Holy Bible. Their commitment to God and the dissemination of His word within their community are fundamental aspects of their way of life.
On Being Amish
When asked what he would miss the most if he weren’t Amish, a Lancaster Amishman expressed a profound sentiment. He highlighted the value of family unity and the absence of modern distractions, emphasizing the importance of a devoted marital relationship.
They Play Slow-Pitch Softball.
Despite their traditional lifestyle, the Amish enjoy participating in sports such as basketball, volleyball, and softball. They actively engage in softball games, some of which involve Amish teens on rumspringa, during summer weekends.
They Can’t Listen to Music
The Amish refrain from playing musical instruments and listening to popular music in their homes. Singing is typically reserved for church gatherings, featuring only songs from the Ausbund, their church book.
They Pay Taxes, But Not Social Security
The Amish generally opt out of receiving government benefits, including Social Security, as it aligns with their beliefs. However, they fulfill their obligations by paying property and sales taxes.
Women Only Have Four Dresses
Amish women typically possess four dresses, each serving a specific purpose—wash, wear, dress, and spare. These simple dresses, accompanied by a prayer cap, reflect the modesty and practicality valued in the Amish community.
Image Source: Dennis MacDonald / Shutterstock
