Amish people live a life of simplicity centered around religious beliefs. Learn more.
The Amish life intrigues those of us who long for an escape from the rat race of everyday life. Far away from the fast paced world we live in, the Amish reside in a world of their own. They believe in strong family values and are deeply religious people. The Amish strongly oppose the use of many of the modern conveniences many of us feel we could not live without.
According to the passage "Who are the Amish and Why That Name?", written by Levi L. Hershberger, in the book "A Day in the Life of the Amish", published by Reiman Publications, Amish history began with the Mennonite church. In the 1700's there was a division in the Mennonite church led by a man named Jacob Ammon. The dissent within the Mennonite church brought about the development of a new church that was more conservative in its beliefs. The people who chose to follow Ammon's beliefs were called "Amish".
The Amish choose to live separate from the world around them because of the persecution they endured early in their history, according to the book "The Puzzles of Amish Life", written by Donald B. Kraybill, and published by Good Books. Some of these differences include their clothing, mode of transportation, and their rejection of the use of electricity and telephones in their homes.
"Twenty Most Asked Questions About the Amish and Mennonites", written by Merle and Phyllis Good, and published by Good Books, says men who belong to the old order Amish society typically wear dark suits and suspenders, patternless white or pastel colored shirts, black or straw colored hats, and basic black shoes. The same article says mustaches are not allowed because of their historical connection with the military. Also, men who are unmarried are clean shaven, and those who are married wear beards.
Amish women typically wear skirts below the knee, long sleeve blouses with high necks, and shawls or aprons, informs "Twenty Most Asked Questions About the Amish and Mennonites". They are patternless and vary in color. Amish women and girls have long hair, but wear it up in a bun. Their hair is covered with white prayer caps or black bonnets.
"The Puzzles of Amish Life" says the Amish use horses and buggies as their main mode of transportation. They also use bicycles, and they often accept rides from their "English" friends. The same book says the reason for using basic forms of travel is to keep Amish communities close and to help preserve their simple way of life.
In keeping with their basic lifestyle and their separation from worldly amenities, Amish homes do not use electricity. Instead they use oil or gas lanterns and batteries, according to "The Puzzles of Amish Life". It goes on to say that twelve volt batteries are often used to power small appliances in the home or on the job.
Telephones in the home are not permitted by the Amish for various reasons, says "The Puzzles of Amish Life". Phones are thought of as worldly and they can encourage gossip. The Amish also feel that visitation is important for their social well-being, and phones are too impersonal. However, the same book says phones outside the home are permissible for use.
The Amish way of life, although very different from our own, should be respected and preserved. Technology makes day to day life easier, but it can create problems in the scheme of things. there is much to be learned from the ways and traditions of Amish living.
