Most Amish buggies are black, but not all of them. Some of them are yellow. Here’s the story behind these unusual buggies.
Initially, the default color for buggies was bright yellow because waterproof fabric commonly came in that color in the early 1900s. Over time, Old Order Mennonites switched to black, while the more progressive Amish opted for grey.
Yellow buggies are used by Byler Amish, a conservative subgroup of the Amish. The bright yellow color of their buggies earned them the nickname “yellow-toppers.”
The Byler Amish originated in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, but they are rarely seen there today. Most Byler Amish are now living in Mifflin County.
Byler Amish take ideas of modesty and simplicity to a greater extreme. For example, they wear only one diagonal suspender. They believe two suspenders to hold up their pants is a forbidden luxury when one is sufficient.
They don’t use carpets and full-length curtains in their homes either.
Yellow Buggies Are Easier to Spot on the Road
Yellow buggies are easier to spot on the road, especially in dim light, because the bright color stands out against the surrounding environment.
The high visibility of yellow makes it easier for other drivers to see the buggy from a distance, reducing the risk of accidents, especially in low-light conditions.