Easter is a major holiday for the Amish but their celebrations differ from mainstream traditions in several ways.
How Do the Amish Celebrate Easter?
Easter Preparations and Good Friday
The Amish observe Good Friday as a day of rest and reflection. On this day, many Amish families fast for part of the day, dedicating time to prayer and contemplation of their faith.
In some Amish communities, Good Friday may involve fasting in the morning, reading the Bible, and prayer, especially for baptized members.
This observance honors the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
Easter Sunday
Easter Sunday in the Amish community begins with a church service, which doesn’t differ significantly from their regular every-other-week church services.
However, the message delivered during the service often focuses on the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
The Amish believe in and celebrate the resurrection, seeing Easter as a special day to acknowledge their Lord and Savior.
After church, families gather for a meal and spend time together. In some Amish communities, activities like coloring eggs may take place, and children might engage in egg hunts.
However, these activities are more common in progressive Amish communities and are considered secular traditions.
During Easter weekend, a lot of time is devoted to reading and discussing the Bible.
People take a break from their usual work, except for taking care of animals, which still needs to be done every day.
Easter is a time to slow down, focus on faith, and connect with loved ones. Families usually stay at home and spend time together. Some might also visit relatives or friends in their community.
Do the Amish Believe in the Easter Bunny?
The Amish do not incorporate the Easter Bunny into their Easter celebrations. The Easter Bunny is a symbol that’s often associated with the more commercial aspects of Easter, which doesn’t align with the Amish focus on the religious significance of the holiday.
The Amish celebrate Easter as a deeply religious event, emphasizing the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
They generally avoid the commercial aspects of Christian holidays.
Easter Monday and Beyond
Some Amish communities also observe Easter Monday as another day of rest and reflection.
The holiday’s observance concludes at the end of Easter Monday, with normal activities resuming on Tuesday.
Communion Services
While not directly tied to Easter, Amish communion services, held twice a year, often fall around the time of Easter.
These services are lengthy, solemn occasions, involving church services, communion rituals, and foot washing.
The communion service is a key aspect of Amish religious life, symbolizing unity and humility.
Variation Among Amish Groups
Keep in mind that practices may vary between different Amish communities. Some may engage more in traditional Easter activities like egg coloring, while others may adhere strictly to religious observance without these elements.
Quick Questions
What Do the Amish Do for Easter?
On Easter Day, the Amish attend church services, spend time with family, and have special meals together. Some families may exchange small gifts or handcrafted items as tokens of appreciation and love.
Do the Amish Go to Church on Easter Day?
Yes, the Amish typically attend church on Easter Day. It’s an important religious observance for them, where they gather as a community to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Do the Amish Celebrate Lent?
Some Amish communities observe Lent, although the majority of them do not.
Lent is a Christian tradition observed in the weeks leading up to Easter. It typically lasts for 40 days, symbolizing the 40 days Jesus spent fasting in the wilderness.
During Lent, believers often engage in fasting, prayer, repentance, and acts of self-discipline as a way to prepare spiritually for Easter.