The Amish are a secretive group known for their unique customs and traditions. They avoid technology and keep to themselves. We’ll explore everything from their wedding customs to their beliefs about modern medicine to shed light on their way of life. Let’s begin!
What Is It With Amish People And Electricity?
Many people believe that the Amish completely avoid using electricity, but that’s not always true. Although they do avoid technology, there are instances when they use electricity, especially during emergencies. The reason behind their avoidance of technology is rooted in their deep faith in God.
They follow a principle called “Gelassenheit,” which means using the Earth as God intended. Some Amish communities permit the use of landline phones in their barns for practical reasons, but they are not allowed in their homes.
Amish Men Grow Long Beards, But Not Mustaches For An Interesting Reason
If you observe pictures of Amish men, you’ll likely notice that they usually have long beards but are clean-shaven on their faces.
This tradition originated in the 1800s when mustaches were associated with wealth or the military, which contradicted Amish beliefs.
The Amish believe in maintaining their appearance as intended by God, so they don’t trim their beards.
However, they chose to shave their mustaches because they disliked the symbolism and fashionable trend it represented at that time. Occasionally, you may encounter men with shorter beards, but generally, they let them grow long.
Anyone Who Is Not Amish Is Considered Something Else
The Amish have a long-standing tradition that began when they first came to the United States. They refer to all non-Amish individuals as “English,” regardless of their race or ethnicity.
They adopted this term because they didn’t have a specific word to describe outsiders, as they considered themselves Americans like everyone else.
Since their neighbors spoke English, they started using that term, and it has remained in use over time.
The Amish tend to hold onto their traditions, so even today, they continue to refer to outsiders as “English people.”
Teens Are Not Officially Amish Until They Are Baptized
Once teenagers have completed their Rumspringa, they have the opportunity to be baptized and become official members of the Amish community.
There is no specific age for baptism since Rumspringa can last for several years or until they realize that the outside world isn’t for them. The Amish community always welcomes people back, regardless of how long they have been away.
Leaving the community and being exposed to the “English world” can be a major shock for many teenagers.
They are unaccustomed to extensive technology use and the norms of our society. This often leads them to yearn for the simplicity of their Amish communities, and they return quite swiftly.
However, there are cases where these teenagers choose not to return because they prefer the outside world.
They Will Not Take Pictures Within Their Community
In the Amish community, you won’t find anyone with an Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter account.
They avoid using electricity and technology, which means they don’t even take photos of each other. Interestingly, they also prohibit paintings of people, which requires no electricity.
So, why are images banned? In the Amish way of life, it is strictly forbidden to possess pictures of people, even if they are of their own family or themselves.
When someone from the Amish community passes away, there are no images to remember them by, so memories become the only way to recall them.
Pictures of people are considered as graven images, and that’s why they are not allowed in their culture.
Within Their Community Women Have A Very Specific Role
After finishing school, Amish women begin learning practical skills such as sewing, cooking, and managing a household to fulfill their role as housewives in Amish society.
Their main responsibility is taking care of the children, acting like respected babysitters.
In their community, Amish women do not have the opportunity to become community leaders or make independent decisions.
Although this may seem unfortunate to many, it is the only life they have known. Once married, their husbands have complete authority, and the women serve them while overseeing the day-to-day household tasks.
All Of Their Rules Must Be Learned
As you may have guessed, the Amish are known for having numerous rules.
These rules are all compiled in a book called the Ordnung, which every member of the community must learn and carry with them at all times.
Breaking any of these rules can lead to serious consequences, depending on the specific rule.
The Ordnung includes regulations regarding dress code, rules about children and technology, and even guidelines for the appearance of their buggies.
The Amish have a distinct way of life, and they expect everyone in the community to adhere to these guidelines.
What Would Happen If Someone Didn’t Follow the Rules?
You might be curious about the consequences for breaking the Amish rules, and they can vary.
The rules outlined in the Ordnung are taken very seriously, so breaking them can result in severe punishment.
One type of punishment is called “Meidung,” which is like a time-out. The person who broke the rules is shunned from the community for a period but still remains within its boundaries.
Another form of punishment is excommunication, where the person is completely shunned from the community and cannot live within its limits anymore.
This punishment can last for several months. The Amish use these punishments to help individuals learn from their mistakes and, hopefully, return to the community with remorse and a commitment to not repeat their actions.
In Some Cases, A Ceremonial Right Of Passage Can Last Years
When Amish teens want to venture beyond their community, they go through a rite of passage called “Rumspringa,” which means “running around” in German.
This period can last for a short time or even a few years, but the specific duration is not crucial to the Amish. By allowing teens to explore the outside world, the Amish hope that it will ultimately lead them to return when they feel ready.
This willingness to come back and embrace the Amish way of life is what allows them to be fully accepted into the community as adults.
Rumspringa gives teens the opportunity to realize that the “English” way of life is not suitable for them.
Who Said The Amish Couldn’t Have Fun?
Contrary to common belief, Amish teens do get the chance to have fun and explore like other teenagers.
The elders in the Amish community understand that rebellion is natural during adolescence, so they allow teens to experience the outside world before fully entering adulthood. During this time, typically between the ages of 14 and 18,
Amish teens have the freedom to leave the community and experience life beyond their Amish upbringing.
It is important to note that they cannot be punished for their activities or experiences outside the Amish world during this period.
This aspect of Amish life was showcased in the TLC show “Breaking Amish,” which followed five Amish teens as they ventured into big cities and encountered technology before embracing adulthood.
Amish Toys Never Have Faces For A Odd Reason
You might be curious about why children would want to play with these peculiar toys without faces.
The Amish have a simple and sensible reason for making their toys this way. All their toys are carefully crafted by hand and reflect elements of Amish life.
Whether it’s a little girl dressed in Amish attire, a horse, or a vegetable, these plush toys tend to have a similar appearance.
The absence of faces is intentional because the Amish want to teach children that one’s appearance doesn’t define their worth.
They believe that everyone is important and loved, regardless of their looks.
The Amish Rarely Have Cancer
In the Amish community, it’s highly unusual for someone to have cancer. There are a couple of theories that connect this to their way of life.
Firstly, they grow their own fruits and vegetables without using any harmful chemicals, which may contribute to lower cancer rates.
Secondly, the Amish abstain from using electricity and modern technology, meaning they are not exposed to potentially harmful waves.
These factors could explain why they have fewer cases of cancer and serious illnesses.
The Night Of Their Wedding They Stay In An Unusual Place
Once you receive approval from the church and have a long ceremony, you can finally celebrate being a married couple in Amish society.
To start the honeymoon, the newlyweds spend their first night at the bride’s parents’ home. It may seem strange, but this is their tradition.
The next morning, as a sign of gratitude, the couple traditionally cleans the house.
They then continue to visit other relatives, moving between different houses. After this process, the newlyweds are finally allowed to have their first night completely alone.
They Have Very Specific Wedding Traditions
When an Amish couple gets married, the process is quite extensive.
The ceremony is modest, and the couple does not wear extravagant dresses or tuxedos.
The bride wears a simple blue dress with a bonnet, and she refrains from wearing makeup or jewelry, including a diamond ring to symbolize their marriage. In Amish tradition, the man does not give his fiance a diamond ring when proposing.
Jewelry is seen as a symbol of vanity, so Amish women do not wear it, even when they get married. Amish people do not marry for money or material possessions because they reject those things; their unions are based purely on love.
If You Have No Home, There Is No Problem
During the Amish honeymoon, the couple moves between different houses of their relatives, as this period involves multiple parts.
It’s a tradition for them to spread out their honeymoon experience across various locations.
After spending the first night at the bride’s parents’ home, they visit more family members as a newly married couple.
Once the honeymoon comes to an end, the couple may not have their own house yet.
In such cases, they will live with their parents until they are able to establish their own place. While this may seem strange to most people, it is a customary practice for the Amish.
Once They Get To The 8th Grade, They Stop Going To School
In today’s world, it might seem unusual, but the Amish typically stop attending school after eighth grade.
Once they complete their schooling, girls focus on becoming skilled homemakers and learn tasks such as sewing, cooking, and crochet.
These skills prepare them to be excellent wives and mothers in the future.
On the other hand, when boys finish eighth grade, they must already have a clear idea of their chosen profession.
In the Amish community, formal education beyond eighth grade is not considered necessary because they acquire knowledge and skills through hands-on work, which is central to their way of life.
They Do Not Have Churches
You might be surprised to learn that the Amish don’t have a specific building for their church.
Unlike many churches with fancy stained glass windows and high ceilings, the Amish prefer simplicity and plainness. They believe that an extravagant church building is unnecessary.
Instead, they hold their services at any time and in any place. It could be outdoors at sunset or inside someone’s barn; the location doesn’t matter as long as they can practice their faith.
The Amish also respect that their religion works for them, and they do not impose their beliefs on others or pass judgment on other religions.
They Believe In Modern Medicine
Despite their rejection of electricity and most forms of technology, the Amish do believe in the use of modern medicine.
If someone requires medical attention, they are willing to visit a doctor at a modern office or hospital. The Amish find no biblical prohibition against receiving medical treatment, so they consider it acceptable.
While they generally prefer natural and homemade remedies, they understand that emergencies or conditions that cannot be treated naturally may require medical intervention.
There Is A Large Population Of Amish In America
Despite their secluded lifestyle, the Amish population in the United States is surprisingly large and growing.
With over 325,000 individuals spread across 31 states, their community is thriving. Interestingly, the Amish are also expanding their presence in western regions.
Within this population, there are two distinct groups: the modern Amish and the old Amish.
The modern Amish are open to embracing certain innovations and changes in their society, while the old Amish remain committed to their traditional way of life and reject advancements in technology.
The old Amish, who continue to avoid using technology, are often referred to as the “Old Order Amish Mennonite Church.”
The Youngest Family Member Is Considered The Most Important
In the Amish tradition, things work a bit differently when it comes to inheriting from parents. Unlike many other cultures, it is the youngest son who receives the inheritance.
The Amish believe that by the time parents pass away, their older children should already have their lives in order. So, it is the youngest child who is entrusted with everything.
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