The Amish Community The Amish Church Those who

The Amish Community

The Amish Church

Those who followed Ammann were originally from 3 main places: • the German-speaking parts of Switzerland, • Alsace and • The palatinate of Germany.

Amish Beliefs • Separation of church and state (unheard of in the 16 th century) • Rejected infant baptism in favour of adult baptism. • Are against abortion and IVF

The Amish church membership begins with baptism, usually between the ages of 16 -25. Church districts average between 20 -40 families and worship services are held every other Sunday in a member’s home. The district is led by a bishop and several ministers and deacons. The rules of the church are called Ordnung and they must be observed by every member. The rules cover most aspects of day-to-day living.

Rules vary from community to community; some use automobiles – others wont use battery operated lights Rules about dress and hair length Ordnung = rules Members, however who do not conform to Amish rules or who go against the bishop are excommunicated. In addition to excommunication, members may be shunned- a practice that limits social contacts to shame the wayward member into returning to the church.

• Both Amish and Mennonites are Anabaptists, which means that they do not practice infant Baptism, rather, when adults feel called to profess their faith in Jesus, they are then Baptized into their Church.

• Courtship often begins • Weddings take place after with a young man the fall harvest. transporting a young November is the favored woman to and from one of month because the winter the many singings or weather has not yet begun. Sunday worship. The Sixteen is the age when couple will be allowed to courtship begins, but spend time together in couples will likely be 20 private, but to spend this or older when they marry. time alone behind closed doors would be scandalous.

Men can grow beards After they are married Amish people can only marry those of the same faith. Divorce is not permitted and separation is very rare.

• Blue is the favored color for a wedding dress. The dress must be new, but it will be used on future formal occasions.

• The Amish are a close-knit community, so members of a group know each other from childhood. There is school, church, barn raisings, singings and other events. The Amish do not like to depend on outsiders, so neighbours are always helping each other.

Social life • Singings are the usual mixed recreation and are the primary courtship activity. These events are only open to young singles and are the equivalent of a teen dance. The Amish do not dance or play musical instruments, but they share the Pennsylvania German love of singing. The songs are not all religious. Folk and country songs are also sung.

• Symbolic of their faith, Amish clothing styles encourage humility and separation from the world. The Amish dress in a very simple style, avoiding all but the most basic ornamentation. Clothing is made at home of plain fabrics and is primarily dark in colour.

• Amish men in general wear straight-cut suits and coats without collars, lapels or pockets. • Trousers never have creases or cuffs and are worn with suspenders. • Belts are forbidden, as are sweaters, neckties and gloves. • Men's shirts fasten with traditional buttons in most orders, while suit coats and vests fasten with hooks and eyes. • Young men are clean shaven prior to marriage, while married men are required to let their beards grow. Moustaches are forbidden.

• Amish women typically wear solid-color dresses with long sleeves and a full skirt, covered with a cape and an apron. • They never cut their hair, and wear it in a braid or bun on the back of the head concealed with a small white cap or black bonnet. • Clothing is fastened with straight pins or snaps, stockings are black cotton and shoes are also black. • Amish women are not permitted to wear patterned clothing or jewelry.

The Amish and Technology The Amish are not allowed for example, to use telephones, electricity or vehicles. The Amish believe that technology weakens the family structure. The conveniences that the rest of us take for granted such as electricity, television, automobiles, telephones and tractors are considered to be a temptation that could cause vanity, create inequality, or lead the Amish away from their close-knit community and, as such, are not encouraged or accepted in most orders.

Amish Family Life • The family is the most important social unit in the Amish culture. • Large families with seven to ten children are common. • Chores are clearly divided by sexual role in the Amish home - the man usually works on the farm, while the wife does the washing, cleaning, cooking, and other household chores. • There are exceptions, but typically the father is considered the head of the Amish household. • German is spoken in the home, though English is also taught in school.

The Amish rules however differ from district to district. No two districts are the same. Members, however who do not conform to Amish rules or who go against the bishop are excommunicated. In addition to excommunication, members may be shunneda practice that limits social contacts to shame the wayward member into returning to the church.