Unusual Rules That The Amish Follow Each Day
The Amish community enjoys its solitude — that's for sure. All follow a set of verbal codes known as the Ordnung, which guides their ways of life and can actually differ from people to people. While outsiders may see nothing but beards and Puritan clothing, there's a lot that goes on in these wonderful communities. A single peek at the day-to-day rules the Amish follow will show them in a whole new light!
Farm Hand
Even though agriculture is starting to fade as a way of life, Amish communities hold a big celebration on days when barns are erected. "Frolics," as the events are called, involve men building barns and women throwing parties.
Certain Kinds of Hair
Amish men can be easily recognized by their beards, which they aren't allowed to grow out until after marriage. Mustaches are completely prohibited: because the facial hair was required by 19th-century militaries, the Amish went without to maintain pacifism.
Sweet 16
At age 16, Amish members engage in "Rumspringa," where youths are encouraged to explore towns and cities outside of their Amish communities. It's all for them to confirm if they wish to continue the Amish lifestyle or not.
Water Dunk
Although the Amish are a traditionalist branch of Christianity, the act of baptism has a major difference between the two. The Amish wait until a young member has grown and can voluntarily agree to join their faith.
Outlook
The Amish communities have a long history of traditions, and they catch the eyes of outsiders, too. If a non-Amish person appreciates the way of life, communities aren't above taking in perspective members.
Musical Tunes
Instruments are usually banned in favor of natural voices, but there are exceptions: harmonicas. Partnered with singing, the musical sessions could go on for a few busy hours.
Concealed Identity
Amish communities have requested certain privileges from the U.S. government. Some view photographs of themselves as being against their ideas of humility, so their government documents contain no pictures.
Revenue Decisions
Another big difference between the Amish and the general public occurred back in 1965. Back then, the U.S. Congress allowed the Amish to break away from Social Security. They wouldn't contribute to it and wouldn't gain access to it.
Cone of Silence
If an individual within the community does something that upsets the others, they can be shunned, which means family and friends completely ignore the scorned member until they're forgiven.
Tech Center
While individual cellphones are not allowed within communities, Amish communities do use a group cellphone for communication purposes. For some communities, modern technology has started to enter more freely.
School and Skills
During an Amish childhood, children enjoy a limited school education. After eighth grade, students stop learning reading, writing, and math, as their lessons become more focused on practical, work-related skills.
Physical Education
For instance, an Amish child might learn the ways of running a farm, which doesn't require a ton of algebra or advanced writing. Skills that would help the child integrate into the community are considered more beneficial.
Child's Play
The Amish emphasize their rejection of individualism for collectivism in the dolls the children play with. The doll bears no distinct features. They have no faces, no fingers, toes, or hair. They're all the same.
Youth Lessons
Collectivism isn't the only reason the dolls are blank: With the toys identical to each other, no child would believe they have a better one. In other words, there's less opportunity for vanity
Fashion Interpretation
Women in Amish communities dress both very modestly — and with significance. When they go to church, the color of the apron they put on relates to their marital status.
Better than Bumble
If a woman at church is seen with a black apron on, any bachelor would know they are married. If the apron is white, the woman is single and could mean a very different story for that observing bachelor.
