Amish

The Amish community, while often recognized for their distinctive lifestyle and attire, is also characterized by unique theological convictions. These beliefs shape their communal interactions, personal choices, and the very fabric of their daily lives. Amish beliefs focus on Gelassenheit (i.e., submission, humility), fostering a simple, community-centered life. They practice nonresistance, advocating peace over conflict….

Mennonites are followers of the anabaptist branch of Christianity. To this day, they remain conservative in regard to their traditions and lifestyle.  Mennonites wear bonnets as part of their religious tradition. The Bible commands women to cover their heads when praying, and by the mid-19th century, bonnets had become the standard headwear for Mennonites. A…

It’s a common misconception to think that Mennonite and Amish people all follow the same practices, but these groups do follow some of the same guidelines when it comes to how women display their marital status. So, how can people tell if a Mennonite or Amish woman is married? You can tell that a Mennonite…

The Amish and the Mennonite communities are two Christian sects that seem similar in the eyes of the “English” (those outside the faith). While there are fundamental similarities between the traditions, there are significant differences, too. Many people are curious to know if these Christian traditions intermarry. The Amish and Mennonites do not marry each…

The Amish are a Christian community that places a high value on tradition. They reject modern technological advances, including electricity and the Internet, and many do not own cars. On the other hand, those who do only drive black or dark blue vehicles. Amish people drive black cars to show their modesty and blend in…

Mennonites are a Christian sect that many people misunderstand. For example, some people think they are Amish, but they are a separate group. Mennonites believe in nonresistance and lead simple lives. Many Mennonites choose to vote even though they aren’t required to do so. They choose to vote because they believe it is a way…

The Amish people are known for using horses and buggies for transportation and rejecting many modern technologies such as television and public utility electricity. [1] Each Amish community is different, so are any Amish farmers allowed to drive tractors? Some Amish communities allow their members to drive tractors, some only use the tractor’s engine in…

Both Amish and Mennonites are descendants of the Anabaptist movement and share many of the same values. However, the rules they live by vary in some important ways, such as those governing their clothing choices.  Amish and Mennonites dress a bit differently from each other. Generally, Mennonites are less restricted in their clothing choices. Although…

It’s easy to assume that Amish clothing isn’t colorful, especially considering that plain dress is essential in Amish communities. However, although focused on uniformity, clothing worn by the Amish can be in various solid colors as long as they remain subdued. Sometimes, Amish people wear colors such as blue. Amish people usually wear blue in…

Known for their simple lifestyle and clothing, the Amish people are a traditional, closed community of Anabaptist Christians who came to America in the 17th century. They follow the Bible and have isolated themselves from the rest of the world, as connecting to it will make it hard for them to follow the teachings of…

The Amish are a robust, self-sufficient society that resides mainly in the American midwest. They value traditional Christian ideals, often rejecting modern technology in favor of handcrafting, horse-drawn transportation, and manual labor. With these values, it should be no surprise that Amish medical treatment—including dentistry—differs significantly from contemporary practice. Members of Amish society often pull…

The Amish and the Mennonites both descend from the same religious tradition of Anabaptism. [1] Given this shared history, it’s understandable that many people wonder about the nature of the relationship between the two communities. For instance, do the two communities get along with each other? The Amish and the Mennonites get along in that…

When people see photographs of Mennonite women, they often observe that they are wearing long skirts, similar to Amish women. This fact, combined with a lack of knowledge of the Mennonite community, can lead people to wonder how restrictive Mennonite rules of dressing are. For example, can Mennonite women wear pants? Mennonite women do wear…

The rules that Amish communities follow may seem unusual to people outside of their community. Yet their traditions have formed strong communities and families for hundreds of years. Their deep devotion to God shapes many of their convictions, including what they believe about music and dancing. Many people interested in the Amish community want to…

Mennonites are a protestant sect that originated from the same revolutionary church reform movement of the 16th century that led to the creation of the Anabaptist congregation. Followers of Menno Simons, their core beliefs align with pacifism and the staunch rejection of violence.   Mennonites say “once” as an expression of politeness. The phrase is common…

As most people know, the Amish community avoids electricity and anything to do with the modern world as much as possible. However, because they occasionally interact with non-Amish, outsiders need to respect their values when interacting with them. One of their convictions is a refusal to be photographed. It’s disrespectful to take a picture of…

The Amish moved to the United States in the 18th century to escape European persecution and find new land to farm. [1] They are known for their humble, simple life separate from the rest of the world. With the introduction of electricity after their settlement in the United States, did the Amish use electricity? The…

The Amish are a traditional, closed community but friendly and kind to outsiders. Non-Amish people are still referred to as English, regardless of their background, but this is merely a cultural term. The Amish call outsiders English because they speak the English language, while the Amish speak a dialect of German called Pennsylvania German or…

Amish families are usually quite large for several reasons. Children are seen as great blessings from God within the community, Amish don’t sanction any kind of birth control, and Amish women get married and start having children extremely young.   Amish women get pregnant in their early twenties, shortly after they get married. They have an…

Many believe the Amish are an isolated community and don’t shop at stores or contribute to the national economy, but this is not true. The Amish shop at various stores, including Walmart, and purchase consumer goods.  The Amish shop at Walmart because they are a thrifty community, and many members appreciate the low prices of…

The Amish and Mennonite traditions fascinate many people. Each group’s convictions about their Christian beliefs, community values, and the extent to which they should interact with society are central to their identity. Amish and Mennonite communities are distinct, yet outsiders easily confuse them. Amish and Mennonite are Christian traditions that date to the time of…

The Amish have a fascinating culture that many non-Amish people respect. While Amish people live in the United States, they are distinct from most Americans in several ways. Their lives, including their appearance, work, and families, are interesting and unique. One question that many people ask about the Amish is whether or not they vote…

The Amish people have a rich history full of interesting customs and traditions. Because the Amish live in communities that tend to be isolated from the outside world, their beliefs and behaviors can be a source of mystery for non-Amish people. For example, one question people ask about them concerns their unique hygiene habits. Amish…

The Amish culture has always been a source of curiosity for the general population. It’s a well-known fact that the Amish are highly devout people, and their way of observing holidays is often different from the rest of society. This makes many people wonder if the Amish celebrate the American holiday of Thanksgiving.  The Amish…

The Amish culture is fascinating, and it’s only natural to wonder about their unique dialect, given their origins in Southern Germany. So do Amish people speak Yiddish? If not, what language do they speak?  Amish people do not speak Yiddish since that language is primarily spoken by those with European Jewish ancestry, and Amish people…

The Amish and cell phones, like other technology, don’t go well together, at least traditionally. However, as times change, there are also changes to the traditional Amish way of life, and some more progressive Amish communities are opening to technology. Sometimes, this means opening up to cell phones and the Internet.  Owning phones, including cell…

The Amish are devout Christians who have a reputation among outsiders for their adherence to rules. Amish don’t use electricity in their homes or farms. They don’t own cars and shun most modern comforts besides specific farm equipment. Many outsiders (called “Englishmen”) assume that these restrictions include alcohol, but the matter is more complicated than…

To an outsider, an Amish Christmas may seem impossible. Without twinkling electric lights, Amazon orders, Christmas movie marathons, and other modern comforts, an Amish Christmas may not seem like Christmas. What does Christmas even look like in Amish communities? Amish people celebrate Christmas, though their customs differ greatly from worldly or “English” Christmas traditions. They…

The Amish live in tight-knit, insular communities. An outsider (or “Englishman”) might feel that entering an Amish community is like entering an entirely new country. But the Amish are still American citizens subject to American laws and taxes. Amish people pay taxes. They pay property taxes, income taxes, and sales taxes. But most Amish people…

Amish communities are very insular, which has led to much confusion about their habits and daily lives. From their rejection of modern technology and their old-fashioned clothes to their tight-knit societies, the Amish are a subject of fascination and curiosity for many outsiders. The sense of mystery around them is heightened by their unique language,…

The Amish are a Christian community, found mostly in America today, with roots in 17th-century Switzerland. Amish people are known for their appearance and simple lifestyle that rejects many modern amenities. Many outside of Amish communities have limited exposure to Amish people, which leaves them with questions like whether or not there are any black…