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ANABAPTIST - AMISH TRADITIONS
The Amish believe very strongly in remaining separated
from the world. They deny themselves the use of regular
electricity and automobiles. Out of necessity, they do use
generators attached to diesel engines, and ride in cars from
time to time. Their dress is also very distinctive. The men
wear black broad fall trousers, solid colored shirts,
suspenders, and black or straw hats. The women wear modest,
solid colored dresses, usually with long sleeves and a full
skirt. They wear a cape and apron over these dresses. Women
wear their hair pulled back in a bun, and a bonnet, or
“prayer veiling” on their heads.
The Amish do not drive automobiles. Rather, they get around by horse
and buggy. The color of buggy varies from settlement to settlement.
Part of the reason for maintaining this tradition is to keep the
community from getting too spread out. The bicycle and horseback are
two other popular modes of transportation. The family and community
are very important to them, which is why shunning is such a powerful
deterrent to rejecting the Amish religion.
Amish do not have televisions, computers, or other electronic
equipment. Out of necessity, they do use telephones, but these are
kept in little sheds at some distance from their house (called
“phone shanties”) in an attempt to keep from being tempted to use
the phone more than just emergencies.
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Farming is still a big part of the Amish lifestyle. Seeding is done
with horse-drawn implements or by hand. This produces a lot of hard
work and long hours. Many Amish families are quite large, and in
many cases it is to relieve the father and mother of all the chores
of the farm. It is this kind of simple, hard working lifestyle that
helps to keep the Amish family and community so close-knit; a sharp
contrast to today’s worldly trends. The Amish are very ingenious in
using mechanical things to do what we would do electronically. With
pneumatic (air) or hydraulic power, they can replace a lot of
electronics.
Most Amish speak English as their second language. Different
dialects of German are their first language, with high German being
spoken at their church services. Many Amish children don’t learn
English until they are taught it in their one-room schoolhouses.
The Amish are known for their simple way of life. They are also
known for their craftsmanship, stemming from their continuing of
traditions and practices. Amish-made food, furniture, and crafts are
known for their quality workmanship.
While the Amish culture may appear to be unchanging, even while the
rest of the world is changing rapidly, this is not the case. The
Amish simply are careful to only accept those changes which will
still encourage close family and community ties, and a separation
from worldly pleasures that may lead them astray.
The Amish separate themselves from mainstream society for religious
reasons: they do not join the military, draw no Social Security, nor
do they accept any form of financial assistance from the government,
and many avoid insurance.
A job worth doing is a job worth
doing right.
Amish Proverb
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