The Amish community is known for their unique way of life that seems to have been frozen in time. There is more to the Amish than meets the eye.
In this article, we delve into some interesting and little-known facts about the Amish community that will leave you surprised and fascinated.
Let’s dive right in!
Did You Know That About the Amish?
1. Bi-Weekly Church Services
Church services are held every other week in a member’s house, with each member taking turns. The Amish don’t think you need a church to teach the Bible.
2. Bi-Weekly Community Meetings
After the church service is over, young individuals who are not baptized leave the gathering. Baptized members of the community remain and hold a private meeting where they discuss church affairs, such as adding new rules.
3. The Bishop’s Authority
The local bishop plays an important role in the community. He is highly respected and feared. The community members follow a lifestyle that is dictated by their bishop.
Every bishop has their own interpretation of The Holy Bible and how its teachings apply to everyday life.
4. Shunned Members Are Sent to Hell
Some conservative Amish groups believe that their bishop has the power to send someone to Hell. This belief is implied when the bishop declares that someone has been handed over to the Devil after being shunned.
5. Snooping on Others
In some Amish communities, certain families engage in snooping on others, often during a “friendly” visit to their home. They search for faults to report to the bishop in an attempt to gain favor.
This behavior can cause anger and a desire for revenge from the families who have been reported on.
6. They Pay Taxes
The Amish pay taxes, just like any US citizen. However, they do not contribute to or benefit from Social Security.
7. Phone Shacks
The Amish have dedicated “phone shacks” located on the periphery of their properties or in the barn. They do not have phones in their homes and mainly utilize cell phones for business purposes and emergencies.
8. Non-Violence
The Amish are pacifists and never resort to violence. They don’t retaliate if attacked. This is deeply rooted in their religious convictions. They do not serve in the Army either.
9. They Hire Non-Amish Drivers
Although the Amish typically travel by horse and buggy, they sometimes hire non-Amish drivers for long-distance trips or in case of an emergency.
10. German Is Their Mother Tongue
The Amish speak Pennsylvania Dutch at home, while High German is used during church services. Typically, Amish children begin learning English when they start attending school.
11. Women Are Destined to Be Housewives
Women generally become housewives in the Amish communities. They do not pursue careers and don’t hold important roles in the church.
Before they marry, they are dependent on their families. After getting married, they are dependent on their husbands.
12. The Amish Don’t Attend School Beyond the 8th Grade
Amish children typically attend school until the 8th grade. Boys then select a trade and begin working. Girls stay at home and learn how to keep a home from their mothers. These skills will come in handy when they become housewives.
13. All Dating Takes Place in Public
All courtship occurs in public. Couples are not allowed to spend time alone together during the dating process. They typically spend time together in public places accompanied by friends or family members. This practice ensures that courtship remains modest and chaste.
14. Community-Built Homes for Newlywed Couples
In the Amish community, the family and friends of a newlywed couple come together to build them a new home. This practice is based on the belief that a strong and supportive community is essential for a happy and successful marriage.
In this manner, the community can show their support for the newlyweds while also strengthening the bonds between its members.
15. Rumspringa: Amish Encourage Youth to Explore Modern Life
The Amish tradition of Rumspringa encourages young people to explore English life before officially joining the church. During Rumspringa, they can travel outside their communities and experience modern life for a week, a year, or longer.
While some choose to stay in the English world, most return to their community.
16. Baptism Means Officially Joining the Church
To join the Amish church, individuals undergo baptism. The event typically takes place between 16 and 25 years of age.
The Amish believe in waiting until adulthood to be baptized, as they see it as a conscious decision to commit to their religious beliefs.
17. Shunning
Failing to adhere to the community rules leads to shunning.
Shunning is a practice within Amish communities where members who violate church rules or norms are cut off from their community, including their own family members.
They are not allowed to participate in any social or religious events.
Shunning is a form of discipline and is meant to encourage the individual to repent and return to the community.
18. Amish People Don’t Play Music
Amish people avoid playing music because they believe it can lead to pride, which goes against their values of humility and submission to God’s will.
They do, however, enjoy singing hymns from a high German songbook called the Ausbunch.
19. Medical Bills Are Paid by the Community
If a member of the Amish community racks up medical bills, the community creates a fund to pay the debt. They join forces to help those in need.
20. No Photographs
The Amish belief system places a high value on humility and modesty. They view excessive pride or vanity as a sin.
In line with this belief, the Amish are wary of anything that could potentially lead to feelings of pride, including taking photographs.
For the Amish, photographs are seen as a form of self-expression, individualism, and vanity.
They believe that physical appearance should not be a priority and that the emphasis should be on spiritual and moral values rather than physical beauty.
Conclusion
The Amish culture continues to captivate and fascinate many people around the world. Their unique way of life governed by simplicity, community, and self-sufficiency, stands in stark contrast to the fast-paced, technology-driven world that surrounds us.
The Amish offer a glimpse into a way of life that has remained largely unchanged for centuries.
By learning about the Amish and their beliefs, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the diversity of human culture and the many ways in which people seek to live meaningful and fulfilling lives.