The Amish community has long fascinated mainstream society with its distinctive lifestyle and customs, often shrouded in mystery. Recent events, such as the kidnapping of two Amish girls in December 2022, have highlighted the stark differences between their way of life and that of the typical American. Despite their secluded existence, the Amish continue to intrigue outsiders, sparking curiosity about their beliefs, traditions, and unique practices. Delving deeper into lesser-known facts or myths about the Amish sheds light on their intricate social structure, from their diverse community divisions to their access to technology, education, and social customs like the Rumspringa. Through respectful inquiry and engagement, the Society gains a deeper understanding of Amish culture, revealing a community firmly rooted in tradition and committed to a simple, humble lifestyle.
The rest of society has always considered the Amish people a bit mysterious. Their lifestyle is quite different from that of the typical American.
One such case occurred in December 2022 when two Amish girls were kidnapped from New York. Although many of the girls still had some unanswered questions, thankfully they returned home safely. In one case, because the sect forbids photography, the police hired a sketch artist to draw a picture of one of the girls. There are other odd differences as well. Ten lesser-known facts or myths about them are listed below.
1. Some Amish communities
It turns out that the Amish are divided into four main groups. Amish Mennonites, Beachy Amish, New Order, and Old Order. There are also a number of subgroups within these groups.
2. Traditions and customs
Although the Amish follow the laws of their own communities, other laws—for example, laws governing clothing and personal hygiene—are somewhat general. Most wear simple clothing and in many organizations are limited to wearing only black and white. Additionally, zippers and buttons are not allowed. Rather, they use eyelet closures and hooks or pins. Additionally, their clothing is still largely inspired by the patterns and materials of clothing worn by their ancestors and aims to emphasize the importance of the Amish’s need to maintain their modesty.
Grooming men’s beards is one example of a universal law that all Amish, regardless of sect, observe in terms of hygiene. Until they get married, young men are allowed to shave their beards. But once married, men promise to be faithful to their wives and to grow beards for the rest of their lives. Additionally, people of all ages are not allowed to have mustaches.
3. The spoken word
The Amish are bilingual in English and German, as previously mentioned. But many of the younger generations wrote off Pennsylvania Dutch or Low German dialect as “obsolete”.
Fortunately, they can communicate with local customers and visitors because they are also learning American English.
4. No country clubs
It is interesting to note that conventional celebrations are discouraged among the Amish, despite their great appreciation for having children – they see them as the only treasure they can carry to heaven. Amish villages don’t celebrate things like baby showers or gender reveal parties.
Furthermore, they do not perform typical religious rituals on infants or children, such as baptism, as they believe it is best to let their children choose their own faith.
5. Rumspringa
It goes without saying that every family hopes that their children will choose to return home and spend their lives participating in local communities and customs. However, they allow teenagers to have an experience known as Rumspringa because they are so receptive to their children creating their own paths. Few individuals actually know what this word means, although many have heard it.
For all Amish, Rumspringa is a “rite of passage” that provides them with an opportunity to venture outside their village and experience the world. Even younger people who are interested in getting to know the outside world can connect with peers from their community, play games, and engage in other social activities in their Rumspringa youth groups.
6. Taxes will always occur
Most people assume that the Amish do not use modern technology. But over the past century, the Amish have started more companies, bought cars, and engaged in other everyday activities with the wider public. They are engaged in carpentry and agriculture, and in several of their companies, they sell handmade goods to the general public.
As a result, they have tax obligations. This applies to money, real estate, and other things. Still, the Amish believe that the church should care for its elderly members, so they do not participate in or receive Social Security benefits.
7. Military and Legal Regulations
Furthermore, they are not required to serve in the military, as their culture emphasizes “non-resistance”, which is their preferred synonym for “pacifism”. This applies to law enforcement as the Amish have their own set of rules and legal system. They follow instructions in a book known as the Ordnung. All the rules and the consequences of breaking them are contained in this book. Everything is written clearly and simply so that there are no misunderstandings about the norms of behavior.
8. The Amish have different views on technology
It is interesting to note that each group has its own guidelines for using technology.
As a result, some companies allow the use of electricity and other modern technologies. On the other hand, many of them conform to the stereotype and forbid their community from using electricity, cars, computers, televisions, or other electrical devices that are commonly used in conventional agriculture. Alternatively, they may hire a non-Amish driver, a person known as an “English” driver. In some areas, it has even become the norm to use freezers to keep food fresher for longer.
The Amish do not see technology as evil, despite what the general public believes. However, he believes he has the ability to cause evil.
Tradition is the cornerstone of their culture, so they tend to shy away from being part of the mainstream. For example, many people fear that the integration of automobiles will mean the elimination of their old-fashioned horse-drawn mode of transportation.
9. Amish communities prohibit photography
The use of photography was also prohibited “to prevent the cultivation of personal vanity.” As a result, similar to the case of the kidnapped girl, many of the images that are seen depicting Amish people are actually hand-drawn or painted. He doesn’t even go to college.
10. The choice of education is up to them
Most Amish individuals complete their education by the end of eighth grade, with roughly 10% enrolling in public institutions. Meanwhile, most go to private schools where they learn both English and the languages ​​of their native Germany. In several US states, children must attend school until they turn 18 or graduate from high school.
On the other hand, the Amish were allowed to stop going to school at age 14 under a 1972 Supreme Court ruling.
While some choose a darker path, such as drug use, and a small number integrate into society, most truly want to return home and live with their family.
The company has gained a deeper understanding of the mysterious culture, as some sites welcome visitors to dine with them, buy handmade blankets, or take a farm tour. Be that as it may, it is clear that the Amish are firmly rooted in their heritage and seem to desire a humble and pure way of life.
In conclusion, the Amish community continues to intrigue and captivate outsiders with its distinct way of life, which stands in stark contrast to mainstream American culture. Despite the passage of time and increasing interactions with the wider society, the Amish remain steadfast in their adherence to traditions, customs, and religious beliefs. Through ten lesser-known facts or myths about the Amish, we gain insight into their multifaceted lifestyle, from their diverse community divisions to their approach to education, technology, and even social customs like the Rumspringa. While the Amish may seem mysterious to many, efforts to understand their culture through respectful engagement and exploration have contributed to a deeper appreciation of their values ​​and traditions.