People across the globe find the Amish and their traditional, insular way of life fascinating. We’re drawn to this seemingly mysterious community where time seems to have stood still for centuries. Many of their beliefs, traditions, and practices seem extraordinary or even bewildering to outsiders like us. Here’s a look at some things you probably didn’t know about the Amish community.
The Ordnung
Imagine a life guided by an unwritten code that dictates nearly every aspect of your existence. The Ordnung isn’t written down but it’s a powerful force in the Amish community, dictating behavior, dress, and technology use. This might sound strange or overly controlling, but it’s a core part of maintaining the Amish way of life. The adherence to the Ordnung ensures the community lives simply and resists the pull of the modern world, preserving a way of life they hold dear.
No Birth Control
In the Amish world, birth control is not an option. This choice stems from deep religious beliefs and the value placed on large families. The Amish see children as blessings from God, meant to be welcomed with open arms. Every child is considered a gift and a continuation of the Amish heritage. Large families strengthen the community, ensuring its survival and growth through generations.
Amish Youths Find Joy in Team Sports
Away from their rigorous daily chores, Amish children relish the chance to play team sports like volleyball and softball. This might surprise you since it seems contrary to their usual practices. However, sports are a vital outlet for them, offering both physical activity and social interaction within the safe confines of their community. It’s a way to bond, have fun, and enjoy a competitive spirit, which is a cherished respite from their structured lives.
Speaking Pennsylvania Dutch, A Language That’s Not Actually Dutch
The Amish language, Pennsylvania Dutch, is a unique blend of German and English, creating a distinct dialect that sounds foreign to outsiders. This language is a vital part of their cultural identity, reinforcing their separation from mainstream society. For the Amish, maintaining this language is crucial for preserving their traditions and keeping their community tight-knit and connected.
Women Aren’t Allowed To Cut Their Hair
Within the Amish community, women are expected not to cut their hair, reflecting their roles and emphasizing modesty and submission. This practice, which starkly contrasts with modern values that promote personal expression and style, underscores their commitment to traditional gender roles and the preservation of cultural norms.
No Sexual Education
In the Amish community, there is generally no formal sexual education. Discussions about sexual matters are confined to the context of marriage and are typically not discussed openly, especially not in educational settings. This lack of formal education on such topics can be concerning to outsiders, as it contrasts sharply with the emphasis on comprehensive sexual education in broader society.
They Practice Shunning
Shunning is a practice used by the Amish to maintain community purity by socially excluding those who break community rules. This can include cutting off contact with family members, a concept that may seem harsh or unjust from an external perspective, especially in a society that values redemption and reconciliation.
They Don’t Consider Themselves “English”
The Amish use the term “English” to refer to non-Amish people, a practice rooted in historical distinctions from the colonial era. This terminology emphasizes their separation from mainstream American society and can be confusing or seem outdated to those unfamiliar with Amish culture.
The Church Is Not A Building, It’s A Body
For the Amish, church is not about the bricks and mortar but about the community that gathers within. They worship in homes or other buildings like barns, moving benches from house to house as needed. This practice highlights their belief that the essence of a church is its people, not its architecture, steering clear of what they consider unnecessary extravagance.
Education Ends At Eighth Grade
The Amish education system stops formally at the eighth grade. This decision supports their lifestyle, focused on agriculture and craftsmanship, rather than academia. They worry that further formal education could introduce unwanted worldly influences. Instead, Amish children learn practical skills vital for their community, although this approach may raise concerns about their future opportunities in the broader world.
They’re Not Allowed Dolls With Faces
Amish children often play with dolls that have no faces. This might seem eerie, but it teaches an important lesson — humility and equality before God. It’s a practice meant to discourage vanity and emphasize simplicity, though it can be unsettling to those not familiar with their customs.
No Private Access To Electricity Or Technology
The Amish famously reject modern technology, from electricity to the internet, believing it could erode their close community bonds. Their commitment to a life without these conveniences is about maintaining simplicity and focusing on manual labor and natural living, though it can be difficult for outsiders to understand.
“Bundling” Is A Courting Ritual
“Bundling” is an old Amish courting practice where young couples share a bed but are often separated by a board. It’s meant to build intimacy without physical contact, aligning with their strict moral guidelines. While it may clash with mainstream views on dating and intimacy, it’s a deeply ingrained part of Amish dating culture.
They Avoid Having Their Photos Taken
The Amish prohibition against photographs stems from a desire to promote humility and prevent vanity. They view photos, especially those displayed in homes, as contrary to their beliefs in modesty and as potential violations of the commandment against creating graven images. For them, one’s life and deeds should be the focus, not their physical appearance.
No Musical Instruments
In Amish communities, music is not accompanied by instruments, which are seen as forms of personal expression that can draw unnecessary attention to the individual. The exception might be small harmonicas or mouthharps. They also do not dance or typically write their own music, preferring to keep their musical expressions simple and communal.
Their Hymnal Has No Musical Notes
The Amish hymnal, the Ausbund, is unique as it contains no musical notation. Hymns are taught, sung, and remembered through oral tradition, emphasizing the spiritual rather than the performance aspect of music. This approach maintains the focus on worship and community, essential elements of Amish religious life.
Exempt From Social Security
Since 1965, the Amish have been exempt from paying Social Security taxes, viewing such government aid as contrary to their self-reliant principles. They rely instead on community support during times of need. This exemption, while legally sanctioned, can seem unusual or controversial to those who see Social Security as a universal obligation.
Small Gene Pool Results In Higher Percentage of Genetic Disorders
The Amish practice of marrying within their community and the resulting genetic issues from limited genetic diversity is a significant health concern. Rare genetic diseases are more prevalent among the Amish due to their ancestors’ limited initial gene pool. This situation has led to the establishment of special clinics to treat these unique conditions, highlighting a critical aspect of Amish life that intertwines deeply with their cultural practices and isolation.
Women Must Be Subservient
In the Amish community, traditional gender roles deeply influence daily life, often placing women in subservient positions. Women are primarily seen as wives, mothers, and homemakers, with men acting as the heads of households and main decision-makers. This structure limits educational and leadership opportunities for women, perpetuating patriarchal norms. Critics argue that this can lead to a lack of rights and even contribute to unreported abuses, as highlighted by former members.
Barn-Raising Is a Longstanding Tradition
Barn-raising is a vibrant tradition that showcases the Amish community’s spirit of cooperation. When a barn needs building or repair, the whole community pitches in. This collective effort is not just about constructing a building but is a fundamental expression of mutual support and unity. It strengthens community bonds and is a proud reflection of their self-sufficient, agrarian lifestyle.
They Run Puppy Mills As Businesses
The Amish community has been criticized for its involvement in dog breeding, particularly in operations known as puppy mills, which often maintain poor conditions for the animals. Incidents of animal neglect and the ongoing operation of unlicensed facilities have led to legal actions and public outcry. Animal welfare organizations continue to expose and challenge these practices, stressing the need for reform and responsible breeding within the community.
Beards Reveal a Man’s Relationship Status
In the Amish community, a beard is more than just facial hair; it signifies a man’s marital status. Amish men grow beards only after they marry, symbolizing their commitment. The practice starkly contrasts with broader societal norms where beards are a personal style choice, reflecting the unique cultural identifiers of the Amish.
The Amish Marry Within Their Community
Amish individuals typically marry within their own community, which ensures that their cultural and religious traditions are preserved. This practice supports their insular lifestyle and reinforces community cohesion. However, it may seem restrictive or unusual to outsiders, challenging more open societal views on marriage and relationships.
No Buttons or Zippers
Opting for hooks over buttons or zippers, the Amish adhere to a principle of simplicity in their clothing. They view buttons as a form of unnecessary adornment that could lead to vanity. This choice reflects their commitment to modesty and tradition, and while practical within their community, it may appear outdated or impractical to those outside it.
Limited Modern Medicine
While the Amish do use modern medical services, they also place a strong emphasis on natural remedies and traditional healing practices. Their approach to healthcare varies significantly across communities and is indicative of their broader values of simplicity and self-sufficiency. However, their occasional reluctance to embrace modern medical treatments can sometimes lead to health risks.
No Mustaches
The prohibition of mustaches among the Amish dates back to their early history, when mustaches were associated with the military and oppression. By forbidding mustaches, the Amish distinguish themselves from military culture and emphasize their pacifist values. This tradition underlines their commitment to a lifestyle that avoids associations with violence and conflict.
Rumspringa: A Journey of Self-Discovery
Rumspringa marks a critical time in Amish teenagers’ lives, offering them a taste of the outside world before they commit to their community’s lifestyle for good. This tradition allows them to explore life beyond their strict boundaries, experiment with modern conveniences, and even mingle with non-Amish people. While it might seem odd for such a tradition-bound community to allow such freedom, Rumspringa is essential for the youth to choose the Amish path willingly, making an informed decision to either return and embrace their heritage or to leave it behind.
They Interpret the Bible Literally
The Amish community’s literal interpretation of the Bible often contrasts sharply with more progressive or metaphorical understandings of the scripture. They view the Bible as infallible and divinely inspired, serving as the ultimate authority in all aspects of life. This firm stance can lead to conflicts with modern scientific theories and societal changes, making their views appear rigid and disconnected to those who value flexibility in religious interpretations.
Hochmut, Or The Suppression Of Pride
The Amish concept of Hochmut, which criticizes pride and arrogance, underscores their commitment to humility. In a society that often celebrates individual achievement and self-promotion, the Amish view of minimizing one’s own importance to maintain community harmony can seem out of step or even repressive. This deep-seated aversion to pride is integral to their spiritual and communal health.
They Don’t Follow EPA Guidelines
The Amish community often operates outside the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations, sticking to their traditional farming methods which prioritize manual labor and use of horse-drawn equipment. While these practices underline their commitment to simplicity and self-sufficiency, they may not align with contemporary environmental protection standards, leading to perceptions of non-compliance or disregard for modern sustainability efforts.
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Katy Willis is a writer, master herbalist, master gardener, and certified canine nutritionist who has been writing since 2002. She’s finds joy in learning new and interesting things, and finds history, science, and nature endlessly fascinating.
