A World Where Time Stands Still
Imagine a world where time stands still and life is just as it was 300 years ago. That's the reality for the Amish in the United States, and their dramatic history all started with a man named Jakob Ammann.
1. Who Are They?
The Amish are a group of migrators from Europe to the U.S. in the 1700s. Today, about 350,000 Amish live in tight-knit communities in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Indiana, where everyone knows everyone.
2. The Founding Father
Jakob Ammann is the man behind the term “Amish." He became a Mennonite chief whose strict teachings shook matters up in Switzerland, Alsace, and Germany. He also introduced unique practices like foot washing and untrimmed beards.
Mikeatnip, CC0, Wikimedia Commons
3. The Mennonite Split
Ammann’s arguable stance on shunning excommunicated participants led to a split with the Mennonites. Despite his attempts at reconciliation, the divide remained. This, in turn, led to the formation of Amish communities, which later spread to North America.
Gabor Kovacs Photography, Shutterstock
4. Men’s Outfit
Amish men’s outfits strictly adhere to the plain dress code. They mainly wear dark suits and large-brimmed black hats. In addition, they put on coats without lapels, large fall pants held up by means of trusty suspenders, and solid-colored shirts. Their shirts might have buttons; however, their coats and vests use hooks and eyes.
Ernest Mettendorf, Wikimedia Commons
5. No Mustache
Amish men start developing beards only after marriage, which is considered a sign of dedication and maturity. But mustaches are absolutely forbidden! Back then, mustaches had been associated with the military, which didn't quite suit the Amish pacifist ways. So, a smooth upper lip is a must.
6. Amish Women’s Dressing
Old Order Amish women don’t simply get dressed; they wear lengthy, complete dresses with capes over the shoulders, all fastened not with buttons but with straight pins or snaps. They consider buttons to be too flashy and might lead to pride.
7. Why Do They Prefer A Simple Lifestyle?
The Amish believe in simplicity and humility, so they keep away from flashy, modern outfits or styles that could inspire vanity or competition. Their plain lifestyle is about living a life that honors their ideals and keeps them grounded.
Ernest Mettendorf, Wikimedia Commons
8. Experiencing Outside Lifestyle
Amish teenagers have the opportunity to step out of their sheltered community and experience the freedoms and challenges of the outside world. They enjoy everything from fashion to technology and must choose whether to return to the Amish manner of life and dedicate fully to the church.
Dennis MacDonald, Shutterstock
9. The Ultimate Decision
For 85-90% of Amish, the pull of home is too strong to withstand. The values they grew up with and the deep sense of community are powerful magnets. They choose to commit to the church and embrace the Amish way of life with renewed conviction and clarity.
10. Ordnung Is Their Compass
Faith is the compass that guides the Amish's every step, decision, and heartbeat. Ordnung, a set of unwritten but carefully abided-by rules, shapes their everyday lives, behavior, and practices.
TheCadExpert, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
11. Sunday Service
On Sundays, they convert their houses into sanctuaries to hold church services, which they rotate each week. Their gatherings, heartfelt singing, prayers, and moving sermons are the heart of the Amish community.
12. Their Healthcare
The Amish rely on traditional herbs and potions passed down through generations. Whenever someone feels sick, they first attempt to turn to their trusted, well-stocked kitchen cabinet for dried herbs and homemade potions. They only seek modern medical help in extreme medical cases.
Greg Hume, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
13. Serious Ailments
They're not big fans of popping pills or rushing to the doctor. But they go to the hospital for treatment when situations become severe, like a broken bone or a nasty infection. Some Amish communities even have favorite doctors who get their vibe.
14. No Insurance
They frown at health insurance! Instead of paying a considerable sum to the insurance company, they prefer to pool their resources together as a community to pay for medical services. They also hold excellent fundraisers called benefit auctions, where they sell quilts, furniture, and other handmade materials.
15. Mental Health
While the Amish may be more reserved about discussing psychological issues, they do not ignore them. They prioritize their well-being by seeking solace and assistance in their circle, such as confiding in their religious leader or a close confidant.
Dennis MacDonald, Shutterstock
16. A Man's World
The Amish way of life is patriarchal in nature, as men call the shots. The fathers are the bosses of the family. They also serve as the spiritual leaders and make the big decisions. They handle external affairs relating to their families; their word is the law.
Ivan McClellan, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
17. Women Are The Home’s Backbone
Their women are not pushovers; they are the backbone of their houses. They work hard, raise kids, cook, clean, and run the home efficiently. They enjoy home-making roles and are respected in their households, farms, and community.
Alan Kotok on Flickr, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
18. Old-School Farming
Due to their love of the earth, the Amish are legendary for their farming skills. They grow and store most of their food without relying on modern farm machinery, tractors, or technological gadgets. Instead, they prefer to till the land with simple and old-fashioned tools.
Ad Meskens, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
19. Formal Education Ends In Eighth Grade
In Amish society, children wrap up formal education in the eighth grade, usually at age 14. At this level, the children would have learned the basics of formal education needed to navigate life. They are exempted from state compulsory education laws beyond the eighth grade due to religious principles.
Dennis MacDonald, Shutterstock
20. Choosing To Continue Education
On rare occasions, some of their children might choose to continue their education beyond the eighth grade. While college isn’t a typical path in their community, those who desire to pursue college often do so with the community’s blessing.
Smallbones, CC0, Wikimedia Commons
21. Real-Life Work Experience
Young Amish folks are expected to take up work after they are done with formal education. Whether on the family farm, in a local business, or learning a trade, this practical experience is a necessity for their growth and for becoming responsible community members.
22. The Local School Board
Amish schools are often governed by a local school board of parents who take turns serving the board. This board handles everything from setting teacher salaries to addressing disciplinary issues. They also provide remedial work for students who need extra help and support.
LEE SNIDER PHOTO IMAGES, Shutterstock
23. They Embrace Tradition And Practicality
Their education system is a brilliant mixture of tradition and practicality. The Amish understand practical skills are essential for life on a family farm or local business. They are just as important as academic knowledge in Amish society.
Carol M. Highsmith, Wikimedia Commons
24. Their Social Life
One of Amish youth's most significant dating scenes is their Sunday night singing. Teenagers gather to sing hymns and chat between songs. They then mingle after everyone takes a break to enjoy homemade food. If a boy likes a girl, he’ll offer to give her a ride home in his buggy.
Carol M. Highsmith, Wikimedia Commons
25. Amish Dating
For Amish teenagers, dating usually begins at the age of 16. The majority of Amish couples get married between the ages of 20 and 22. They meet their special someone at social gatherings like church events, home visits, and frolics.
26. Couples Take Trips To Town
Their dates often involve buggy rides or outdoor group activities. However, In some of the more progressive Amish communities, young couples get to travel into town for an evening meal. This is a big deal because it blends a bit of modern life with their traditional values.
Ad Meskens, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
27. No Divorce
In the Amish tradition, divorce is not allowed, so the courting process is taken very seriously. When an Amish couple decides to date, they think about the long haul. They take time to get to know each other well and value their relationships deeply.
Gilabrand, CC BY 2.5, Wikimedia Commons
28. Wedding Preparations
In the Amish community, engagements are kept as secrets. Whenever a couple gets engaged, they might not tell their parents until later. The family then keeps the engagement hush-hush until it's announced during an October church service.
29. Celery Decoration
You might, however, be able to guess who’s getting married if you see them painting their houses or planting a lot of celery. This is because celery is commonly used to decorate wedding tables and to make soup for the wedding meal.
30. Wedding Season
Amish couples usually tie the knot on Tuesdays and Thursdays in November and December. The family usually needs a whole day to prepare and another full day to clean up. So setting up or cleaning on a Sunday is a big no because Sundays are for church and rest.
31. The Bride’s Dress
Brides are usually responsible for making their wedding dresses, which are mostly blue or purple, with blue being the most common. After the wedding, this dress becomes the bride’s Sunday church attire and the dress she will be buried in once she dies.
Gabor Kovacs Photography, Shutterstock
32. The Joining
Amish wedding ceremonies start bright and early at 8:30 in the morning and last about three hours. After a long sermon, the bishop takes the couple aside for private advice, instructions, and a blessing while the congregation sings. Then, the couple gives their vows in front of everyone.
Jonathunder, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
33. The Reception
After the final prayer, everyone heads to the bride’s family home for the reception. Amish weddings are enormous—we’re talking guest lists of 200-500 people! Friends and family pitch in to look after the guests’ horses, serve food, and clean up messes.
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34. The Banquet
Guests are typically treated to two meals at the reception: supper and dinner. These meals feature Pennsylvania Dutch recipes like roast, Amish casserole, mashed potatoes, creamed celery, coleslaw, pears, applesauce, dinner rolls, doughnuts, and pies.
35. Fun Activities
While there’s no dancing at an Amish wedding, the day is filled with visiting, games, and plenty of family connections. They gather to celebrate the foundation of another Amish home built on lifelong commitments.
Michael G McKinne, Shutterstock
36. No Honeymoon
Unlike many weddings among non-Amish, an Amish couple won’t be going off on a honeymoon right after they have tied the knot. Instead, they are expected to roll up their sleeves and help their family clean up the day after the wedding.
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37. Living With The Bride’s Parents
After the wedding, the newlyweds don’t immediately move into their own place. They will spend the next few months living with the bride’s parents. It’s the Amish way of easing newlyweds into married life until they’re ready to start a home of their own.
hutch photography, Shutterstock
38. No Wedding Rings
The Amish have unique ways of showing their married status through bonnets. Unlike the ‘outside’ world where wedding rings are a thing, if you want to know a married Amish woman, look at her bonnet; it will be white. They stop wearing the typical unmarried black bonnets.
Dennis MacDonald, Shutterstock
39. Besides Farming, What Do They Do?
The Amish are not bound only to tilling the soil. Beyond farming, many are artisans who showcase their creativity by crafting furniture, fabric, quilts, and other handcrafted works. Others also do well in construction, carpentry, and blacksmithing.
Carol M. Highsmith, Wikimedia Commons
40. Adapting To Changes
The Amish are thoughtful and selective when embracing changes in the world of constant innovation. While some communities have embraced solar panels and cell phones for business, they are always careful to avoid anything that might disrupt their values and way of life.
Joe Schneid, CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
41. One Till Death
After the death of an Amish, they are dressed in plain clothes and placed in simple Amish pine caskets. As is their way of life, the community comes together to show their strong support for each other by preparing the body and making plans for the funeral.
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42. Funerals Are For Reflection
Unlike some cultures' more celebratory "celebrations of life" regarding funerals, Amish funerals are solemn and dignified. They believe this time should be for quiet reflection and focused on the deceased's relationship with God and their journey to the afterlife.
Cab02, CC BY-SA , Wikimedia Commons
43. Simplicity Even At Death
Flowers and elaborate decorations are often absent in Amish funerals. They use simple wooden coffins, frequently made by hand within the community. These coffins are mostly plain pine boxes without padding, handles, or intricate designs. Even the graves are usually unmarked.
Carol M. Highsmith, Wikimedia Commons
44. Community: The Backbone Of Amish Life
Amish culture is built around a strong sense of community. Every aspect of an Amish person's life is closely tied to the love, support, and shared values of the community around them, from birth to death and weddings to funerals.
