The Amish community does not take photographs. The key reason is their belief against creating graven images, which they see as a form of idolatry.
Unlike photographs, mirrors are allowed in the Amish communities. This is because a mirror’s reflection is not a permanent image.
Amish women use mirrors for practical purposes like doing their hair and securing their bonnets. Similarly, Amish men use mirrors for shaving. These uses are accepted as they are for grooming and not for vanity.
Where Do the Amish Keep Their Mirrors?
In Amish households, mirrors are usually found in bathrooms, where they’re used for grooming purposes like combing hair or shaving.
They are not found hanging on the walls in common areas like living rooms or dining rooms to avoid the temptation of always looking in the mirror and focusing on one’s image, rather than engaging in meaningful interactions with the rest of the family or guests.
Old Order Amish typically keep their mirrors in a drawer and only take them out when necessary for grooming purposes.
The Amish Don’t Have Full Body Mirrors
The Amish don’t have full body mirrors in their homes. This is because full body mirrors might encourage a focus on the entire appearance, which they prefer to avoid.
Amish people use mirrors for basic needs like combing hair or shaving. A small mirror is more than enough for these tasks.
The Amish are careful with how much time they spend looking in mirrors as they focus on being humble. They worry mirrors might make people think too much about how they look, which can be seen as vain.
Old Order Amish and Mirrors
Not all Amish communities are the same. In some very conservative communities, they have special rules about mirrors and only the man of the house can use a mirror.
Here, once an Amish woman gets married, she can’t use mirrors anymore to stay humble and simple. This is to keep life simple and avoid focusing on looks.
Many parents believe that a mirror is a deceiving thing, and they keep kids away from mirrors.
In strict families, kids are not allowed to see their reflection in the mirror until they are 7 years old.
⇒ Long Story Short:
Mirrors aren’t completely banned in Amish homes. The Amish use them when needed, like for combing hair or driving, but they don’t focus on them a lot.