The term “English” in the context of the Amish community dates back to the time of their migration to America in the 18th century. When the Amish first settled in Pennsylvania and other parts of the United States, they encountered people of different backgrounds and nationalities.

Among these groups were English-speaking settlers, primarily of British descent.

To the Amish, who primarily spoke German or a dialect known as Pennsylvania Dutch, anyone who didn’t belong to their community was seen as an outsider.

However, since many of the non-Amish settlers spoke English, the Amish began referring to them collectively as “English”.

Using the term “English” to refer to outsiders served a practical purpose for the Amish. It provided a simple and convenient way to distinguish between members of their community and those outside of it.

Instead of needing to specify the nationality or background of each outsider they encountered, the Amish could simply refer to them as “English.”

Over time, the term “English” has become ingrained in Amish culture and is used almost reflexively to refer to outsiders.

In essence, being called “English” by the Amish is not meant to be offensive. The Amish don’t harbor ill will towards outsiders. In fact, they respect those outside their community.

So, the next time you hear the term “English” used by the Amish to refer to outsiders, remember that it’s not about nationality. It’s a linguistic marker used to differentiate between Amish and non-Amish individuals.

Can the Amish People Be Friends With the English?

Yes, the Amish people can be friends with people who aren’t Amish. While the Amish prioritize their close-knit community, they’re generally friendly to outsiders.

Initially, the Amish spend time with the English for specific reasons, such as work. If mutual respect is shown, the relationship may develop into a genuine friendship.

You can visit them and join their church services if they ask you, but becoming friends with the Amish usually takes a while before you get to that point.

Don’t expect to be invited to dinner after a few interactions.

When you become friends with the Amish, it’s perfectly acceptable to give them gifts. It’s a way to show your appreciation for their friendship. Just remember to choose gifts that align with their simple lifestyle and values.

⇒ Quick Tip: The Amish don’t keep in touch too often because they avoid using phones and social media. They value face-to-face interactions over virtual friendships.

Origins of The Amish Barn Star

The barn star first appeared in the United States between the 18th and 19th centuries, particularly among German-American farming communities in Pennsylvania, including the Amish, Mennonite, and Lutheran groups.

Barnstars were originally symbols to recognize a builder’s work, kind of like a “job well done” badge.

Over time, people started using them more as a design feature and a symbol of good luck rather than their original purpose. So, they shifted from being about recognizing skill to just being a decoration.

The first Amish barn star was a three-pointed star. In the 1970s, craftsmen began using roofing tiles to give the stars a rough finish, and later, thin sheets of steel became popular for creating these decorative pieces.

Today, these stars are often left unpainted to achieve a rustic look.

What Do the Amish Barn Stars Mean?

For many Amish people, the Amish Barn Star is a symbol of good luck and protection, similar to hanging a horseshoe over a door.

Imagine you have a lucky charm, like a rabbit’s foot or a four-leaf clover, that you keep around for good vibes. Well, for the Amish, their version of that charm is the Barn Star.

For some other Amish folks, the star is simply seen as another rustic decoration, or a piece of their cultural heritage.

These stars can be as small as a door decoration or as big as a barn ornament.

By the way, you can buy Amish barn stars online to use as decorations for your home. With a few clicks, you can add Amish style to your space using these lucky symbols.

This includes sermons, usually in German, delivered by visiting ministers from other churches and the local bishop. The morning service typically lasts for about three hours.

The first sermon, called the “Forstellung” (introduction), is typically given by a local bishop who explains how the day will unfold and what sermons will be given.

Then, the visiting ministers will give special sermons talking about topics such as joy in submission life to Christ, keeping promises to God and the church, the importance of being forgiving, and the suffering of Christ, from His birth to His resurrection.

Only baptized individuals can participate in Communion. Men and women sit separately, as they do during regular services.

After the morning service, there’s a break for lunch. Families bring food, and everyone eats together. Men, women, and younger members sit separately during the meal.

After lunch, the community comes together for the Communion service.  This involves singing more hymns, saying prayers, and listening to sermons about Jesus’ life and crucifixion. 

After the final sermon, the church members have Communion with bread and wine, followed by foot-washing.

The church leaders break tiny pieces of bread and hand them to each individual.

Then, grape juice is served. One of the ministers hands the Communion Cup to each individual to take a sip.

Everyone sips from the same cup, starting with the men. So by the time it gets to the last person, everyone in the church has already had a sip.

Usually, everything finishes around 4:00 – 4:30.

The Foot Washing Ceremony

A unique and essential aspect of the Amish Communion service is the foot-washing ritual.

At the end of the Communion Service, church members pair up based on gender to wash each other’s feet, following Jesus’ example of humility and service.

As the church members wait for everyone to take their turn, they sing hymns. Then the service ends with a few closing remarks and a prayer.

Pre-Communion Church Gathering

The Amish have a special church meeting that happens two weeks before the Communion.

The leader talks about the rules everyone should follow. Each member says they’ll follow the rules. In other words, they publicly renew their commitment to the Ordnung.

There’s also a time for people to admit if they broke any rules. If someone messed up really badly, they might be asked to make a public confession and tell everyone what they did.

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.

Most Amish people will decline to pose for photos.

While traditional views have restricted photographs, especially posed ones, some Amish people, particularly from more progressive groups like the New Order Amish, are more open to photography today.

Some Amish might allow unposed photos during daily activities, but won’t specifically pose for pictures.

Photos of Amish buggies are usually okay, especially in public areas.

Once again, New Order Amish communities might be more open to photography, but it’s essential to ask for permission first.

Respect is key.

Guidelines for Photographing Amish People

Always Ask for Permission

Always seek permission before taking photographs. While some may not mind, others prefer not to be photographed.

Avoid Posing

Respect their belief against posing for photographs. Candid shots, especially from a distance or of their farms and buggies, are generally more acceptable.

Photographing Children

Amish adults are often more comfortable with their children being photographed than themselves.

Discretion is Key

If you must take a photo, do it respectfully and discreetly. Avoid intrusive actions that disturb their daily life.

Be Mindful of Context

Remember, the Amish community values humility. Any action perceived as promoting vanity or individualism may be frowned upon.

Special Considerations for Videos and Media

The Amish value humility and prefer to be known for their lifestyle rather than their appearance.

In cases where Amish individuals are photographed or appear on videos, it’s often in a documentary context or with a trusted photographer.

The Amish stance on videos and movies is similar to photography, focusing on humility and avoiding vanity.

When Amish individuals appear in media, it often involves creative solutions like silhouette interviews or ground-level shots to respect their beliefs.

Final Thoughts

While visiting Amish communities, respect their beliefs, customs, and way of life.

Photography, when done respectfully and with consent, can be a way to appreciate their unique way of life without intruding on their values.

Always respect individual preferences and seek permission before taking photos or recording videos in Amish communities.

But there’s one thing we have in common with the Amish: they too use Christmas trees, but they hang them upside down.

However, not all Amish families hang Christmas trees. Actually, very few of them do.

Regarding the Amish and Christmas, their celebrations are simple and focus on family rather than commercial aspects like Santa Claus or lavishly decorated trees.

The Amish communities emphasize religious significance over elaborate decorations during Christmas.

What Is the Meaning of Hanging Christmas Trees Upside Down?

In some traditions, hanging a Christmas tree upside down symbolizes the Holy Trinity. It can also represent the idea of renewal and rebirth, with the tree’s inverted position signifying a fresh start or a turning point.

Hanging a tree upside down may also have practical purposes, such as saving space or highlighting the tree’s branches and ornaments in a unique way.

What Is the Story Behind Upside Down Christmas Trees?

The tradition of hanging Christmas trees upside down is not specifically linked to the Amish but rather has historical roots in Europe tracing back to the Middle Ages.

Saint Boniface, a monk, was the first to do this. He used inverted trees to teach pagan Germans about the Holy Trinity.

This practice continued in Europe until the 19th century. It was mainly adopted by working-class and lower-class households, who hung trees from their rafters due to religious significance and limited space in their homes.

Today, Christmas trees are usually upright, symbolizing reaching towards heaven. For some, seeing an upside-down Christmas tree can feel disrespectful or even sacrilegious.

Christmas (December 25th)

This is a solemn celebration of Christ’s birth, marked by simple gift exchanges, and family gatherings. It’s a day more focused on religious reflection than on common Christmas traditions like decorating trees or Santa Claus.

Amish Christmas celebrations are pretty unique.

The Amish keep it simple. You won’t find flashy lights or big Christmas trees in their homes. They might use candles and some greenery for a festive touch, or even hang a Christmas tree upside down, which is definitely different from the typical holiday decor.

Christmas dinner is an important event. The menu usually includes classic items like turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, gravy, fruits, and Christmas pudding.

Sounds delicious, right?

The whole Santa Claus thing isn’t part of their tradition. They might do a modest gift exchange on Christmas Day, but don’t expect long wish lists or trips to the mall to see Santa.

Around Christmas, Amish kids put on a special program at school. They sing carols, and recite verses from the Bible. It’s a community event, and sometimes non-Amish neighbors are invited to join in.

Second Christmas (December 26th)

The day after Christmas is known as “Second Christmas.” It’s a time for relaxing, visiting extended family, and sharing meals. Amish families gather for another big meal, but everyone pitches in by bringing a dish.

Second Christmas is more about socializing and less about formal religious observance.

Old Christmas (January 6th)

Some Amish communities celebrate “Old Christmas” on January 6th, exactly twelve days after Christmas. This day traditionally commemorates the visit of the Three Wise Men to Bethlehem.

Good Friday

In Amish tradition, their Easter celebration begins on the Friday before Easter Sunday.

This day is observed with fasting, prayer, and reading scriptures about the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus.

Easter Sunday

Easter is celebrated to honor Jesus’ resurrection. The day is marked by religious reflection and community gatherings.

Some Amish families also celebrate Easter Monday as a day of rest and family time.

Even though Amish families don’t usually have a big feast, they do have a bigger dinner than usual for Easter. Eggs are the main focus of their meal, representing life and renewal.

Amish families don’t include the Easter Bunny in their celebrations.

Ascension Day (40 days after Easter Sunday)

This holiday marks Jesus’ ascension into heaven. It is observed as a day of rest, with many Amish communities closing their businesses to spend time with family.

Pentecost Monday

Pentecost Monday or the day after Pentecost is celebrated 50 days after Easter Sunday.

This day is recognized as the time when the Holy Spirit descended on the Apostles. It’s another day for rest and spiritual reflection, often marked with church picnics or youth gatherings.

Thanksgiving (November)

The Amish observe Thanksgiving similarly to the wider American tradition. It’s a day for family gatherings, giving thanks, and enjoying a feast.

New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day

These holidays are celebrated on December 31st and January 1st. They are observed with church services, hymn singing, and family gatherings.

New Year’s Eve is not celebrated with late-night parties as in mainstream society.

While these holidays are commonly celebrated, practices can vary among different Amish communities.

The Amish do not observe holidays like Halloween or federal holidays like Columbus Day or Labor Day.

Their holidays are deeply intertwined with their religious beliefs and practices, focusing on reflection, family, and community rather than commercial or secular aspects​.

Each piece is unique, customizable, and has the potential to become a family heirloom.

Amish Furniture Price Range

The cost of Amish furniture varies depending on the type of piece and materials used.

Outdoor Furniture

Prices for Amish outdoor pieces like dining tables range from $660 to $6,400, dining chairs from $300 to $1,200 per chair, and porch swings from $600 to $2,700​​.

Dining Room Tables

Prices start typically start at $700-800, with most tables averaging between $1,100 and $2,100. High-end sets can go up to $4,500.

Bedroom Furniture

Queen beds range from $1,200 to $2,500. Dressers are priced between $1,700 and $2,200, chests from $1,300 to $1,600, and nightstands from $550 to $800.

Desks and Hutches

Amish hutches range from $3,000 to $14,000, while large desks can cost between $3,000 and $20,000​​.

Coffee tables

An Amish coffee table can cost anywhere from $800 to $2,000. If it’s made from expensive hardwoods, it could even reach $3,000.

Why Is Amish Furniture SO Expensive?

Crafting furniture by hand takes a lot of time. Even though Amish woodshops use machines to help, every piece is still carefully worked on by a woodworker. They cut, shape, check, and improve each piece, which all takes time.

High-quality wood is often used, which can increase costs. Different types of wood have different qualities, affecting the price of Amish furniture.

For example, walnut wood is more expensive than oak because it’s not as easy to find. Walnut trees are smaller and grow much slower compared to other trees, so there’s less wood available from each tree.

This scarcity drives up the cost of walnut furniture compared to other types of hardwood.

The size of Amish furniture affects its cost. Bigger pieces cost more because they take longer to make and need more materials compared to smaller ones.

Amish Furniture Saves You Money in the Long Run

Over time, Amish furniture could end up being more affordable than you expect. Even though it might seem expensive at first, Amish furniture lasts a long time and doesn’t need to be replaced often, saving you money in the long run.

⇒ Quick Tip:

To ensure you’re getting authentic Amish furniture, it’s best to buy it directly from Amish communities.

Buying directly from Amish artisans supports their livelihoods and helps preserve their unique craftsmanship.

Many Amish artisans offer customization options, allowing you to tailor the furniture to your preferences in terms of size, design, and wood type.

Ethridge, Tennessee, which is about a 7-8 hour drive from New Orleans, has a significant Amish community.

A Brief History of the Amish in Louisiana

The Amish immigration to America happened in two main waves. The first wave was in the mid-1700s, with many settling in eastern Pennsylvania.

The second wave occurred from the early to mid-1800s. During this second wave, Amish immigrants often arrived through ports like New York and New Orleans.

Some of those who came through New Orleans stayed there temporarily due to lack of funds to move further. This led to a small, short-lived Amish community in the city.

This New Orleans Amish group was unique. Most of its members spoke French since some came from French-speaking regions in Europe like Alsace and Lorraine.

From 1846 to 1872, Christian Maurer, an Amish preacher, led a small church in New Orleans. This church, located at 46 Elmire Street in Algiers Point, received visits from Amish bishops from Ohio and Illinois.

In 1871, a letter noted that the New Orleans Amish Church had 15 members.

The New Orleans Amish community didn’t last and likely merged with the local people.

For detailed information about the New Orleans Amish settlement, David Luthy’s book “The Amish in America: Settlements that Failed, 1840-1960” and Steven Nolt’s “A History of the Amish” are key resources.

Amish Volunteers Rebuilt Homes After Hurricane Ida

Amish volunteers have been involved in aid efforts in Louisiana. For instance, in Golden Meadow, Louisiana, they helped rebuild homes damaged by Hurricane Ida.

While Louisiana doesn’t have its own Amish communities, Amish people came to help out for special situations.

This tax exemption significantly lowers their operating costs.

They also save on expenses by using basic tools and having fewer overhead costs.

So, yes, you can get a well-built house from Amish builders without spending as much.

Amish builders often charge 10 to 20% less than others, offering affordability without compromising on quality. But this can upset other builders. Many feel that the lower bids from Amish contractors create an uneven playing field.

When Amish builders charge 10 to 20% less than other builders, this can be seen as a form of underbidding.

But customers like that because they get good work for a lower price.

How to Hire Amish Builders

Amish builders are known for their excellent skills and building strong, lasting homes. Their good reputation comes from their commitment to quality, taught over generations, and their focus on doing their best work.

If you’re planning to hire Amish builders but don’t know where to start, here’s what you can do.

Initial Visit and Inquiry

Visit one of these Amish businesses and talk to them about your project. Explain what you need, and they will take a week or two to ask around their community to find someone interested in your job.

Winter is the ideal time to ask, as they are less busy and planning their work for the upcoming months.

Follow-Up Visit

Return after a week to get the contact details of an Amish builder who is interested in your project.

Be aware that if your project or behavior doesn’t align with their values, they might not accept your offer. This can be obvious if no one responds to your inquiry.

Negotiations and Leadership

Once they start, a young Amish worker will likely take charge. You will negotiate and discuss the project details with him.

Work Dynamics

Expect skilled and fast workers. They are good at teamwork but might not use certain safety gear like fall protection or hard hats.

Use of Tools and Transportation

They use mostly battery-operated power tools and will use your power supply for charging. If the worksite is far, they will need hired transport or you might need to drive them.

Materials Preference

They may prefer to use some of their materials, like local lumber or metal roofing made in their community. However, they are flexible with materials if you provide them.

Your Role as a Coordinator

You’ll need to manage the project, including hiring an architect or engineer if needed, organizing foundation work, coordinating deliveries, and hiring an electrician for electrical work.

Insurance and Warranty

Be aware there is no insurance or worker’s compensation, and no warranty is provided. However, they stand by their word for the quality of work.

Once the building is complete, you might have to negotiate with your insurance for coverage as there’s no large construction firm behind the work. It’s similar to a personal DIY project.

Resolving Disputes

If any issues arise that they consider un-Christian, they may stop work. An Amish elder might need to negotiate with you to resolve the problem.

Remember, this process is based on specific practices in certain Amish communities and might vary in other areas.