When thinking of the Amish, people most likely imagine horse and buggies, barn-raising events, modestly dressed men and women, and hordes of children. While those things are very much ingrained in Amish society, there are a lot more rules and regulations that you must follow to truly be Amish. 

No Physical Interaction During Courtship

When courting, the couple must not touch. No hand-holding, hugging, and especially no kissing. This is done so that the integrity of the relationship in the eyes of the community stays intact. 

Amish Women's Hair Must Be Up 

An Amish woman's hair must be up in a bonnet at all times in public and during the day. It's also against some communities for women to cut their hair, similar to that of the men's rule. The bonnet can come off in the evenings when the women are indoors with their families. 

Limited or No Electricity and Tech

When people think of the Amish, they think of their anti-modern way of living. They use horses and buggies to get around, they use no electricity or phones, and they don't even take photos! Their lifestyle is governed by a philosophical and somewhat religious belief called Gelassenheit. 

Child-Rearing is Important

Having children is a huge thing in the Amish community. It's bizarre to find a married couple without a child. In fact, most communities make it a custom for women to have children. The only thing that stops them from having children is natural infertility. 

Men Shouldn't Cook

It's obvious that gender stereotypes are rampant throughout Amish communities. Men should never cook for the family. Cooking is considered "womanly" work, so it's left up to the women of the household. This doesn't mean that men aren't cooking in restaurants or for their business if it's food-related, just not for their families. 

No Strict Beliefs

The Amish are notably Anabaptist, which means that they're part of a Christian sub-sect who practice "believer's baptism." Once a teenager becomes old enough to state their own faith and practice it, they become full members of the church that they choose.

Start 'Em Young

Amish children start working at a super young age. Not only are they responsible for their schoolwork, but they must help out their parents with the day-to-day chores. Little girls stick with their mothers as they take care of their younger siblings and do housework, while the boys are outside doing the yardwork and farming with their fathers.

No Days Off

The concept of a "day off" in the Amish world is unheard of. They do not take breaks or take days off from work. To them, the community needs to be run every single day, and in order to achieve that, they must be working every single day. Of course, they can take sick days.

No Zippers, No Belts

Most people wouldn't think that the zippers and belts are accessories, but the Amish think so! Belts and buckles apparently signify opulence and vanity, so they are frowned upon. Trousers will only have buttons. 

Older Siblings Must Raise Younger Siblings

The older siblings must help raise the younger siblings in an Amish family, no questions asked. This helps prepare the children for parenthood and also gives the parents some slack. 

No Make-Up Or Accessories 

As we know, vanity is frowned upon in the Amish community. That means that anything to enhance someone's appearance is frowned upon as well. Amish women are not permitted to wear any sort of make-up or jewelry.

Amish vs Mennonite

For those who are unaware, the Amish and Mennonites are not the same groups of people. Although both cultures are Anabaptists, they live by starkly different ideas and rules. Mennonites are able to live in modern communities and own certain technologies, for example. 

Rumspringa

Once a teenager in the Amish community turns 14, the pressure is on. They are slowly introduced to the idea of living life outside of the Amish community and are even encouraged to spend time in the "modern" world. This custom is called Rumspringa, which roughly translates to "running around." Sometimes, the teens leave the community. More often than not, they stick to their roots.

What They Do During Rumspringa

Rumspringa can be a bit of a tricky time for an Amish teenager. Some teens choose to spend a week outside of their community before their new baptism, and others go big and head right into the nearest city. Sometimes, the teens don't return. They can even spend years away from the community, but sometimes they will come back.

Free Passes for Teens

Amish teens are "allowed" to get into some mischief and experiment with outside Amish life. That's why you may see some younger Amish with cell phones and social media accounts. They're usually just experimenting, which is allowed inside of the community. In a way, this can help an Amish teenager "get it out of their system" and stay committed to the community when they're older. 

No Shaving

The classic depiction of an Amish man is a long, scraggly beard. This is because most Amish men do have a long, scraggly beard! Having a long beard is common in the community and men rarely cut or shave their beards. You won't see an Amish man with a mustache, though, because that is strictly avoided!

Three Different Languages

Amish folk will grow up learning three different languages: English, German, and Pennsylvania Dutch. Area schools and businesses will use English out of politeness (since that's what a majority of their non-Amish neighbors speak) but almost all Amish religious services are in German. Conversation between Amish people is usually Pennsylvania Dutch, a language that's derived from German. 

Teens Return for Baptism and Marriage

After teenagers finish up their Rumspringa spree, they usually return for their new baptism. Soon after the baptism comes marriage, but they are not arranged. The teenagers/young adults meet people in public settings and go on private dates before they decide to get married.

The Bundling Bed

A common part of the Amish courtship is bed-sharing. Young couples have to spend a night in bed with one another, but there are specific restrictions set in place. Both people must remain fully clothed and sleep with a wooden board between the two. This makes sure there's no funny business before marriage.

Amish Weddings

Amish weddings are commonly held in November, which is the least busy month for the community since harvest season is over. Amish ceremonies can last up to four hours. There are no rings or kisses exchanges, no caterers or photographers, and definitely no DJ. This is usually a big celebration, though, and the entire community is invited.

Potluck Dinners

Mealtime is a huge part of the Amish community. Potlucks in the town center are pretty common, and large dinner gatherings for no reason are a popular way to spend the evening. Weddings are a huge deal, and usually, the entire town is invited for a huge, delicious potluck.

No Maternity Leave For Amish Women

Amish women must work up until the moment they have the baby. The housework, teaching, fieldwork, etc, are all left up to the women even in the most difficult pregnancies. They usually forgo hospitals unless they are in a dire situation. 

If You’re Out, You’re Out

It's not always sunshine and rainbows. Like most communities, there are rules set in place and if you break those rules, you may face some harsh consequences. In the Amish community, rule breakers can be served a Meidung order, meaning that they are being rejected. If you disobey religious and cultural codes, you are out.

Cancer-Free

Due to harsh rules of eating organically and abstaining from alcohol, cigarettes, and drugs, cancer diagnoses are very rare for Amish folks. The children of the community also rarely suffer from asthma and allergies. Sticking to strict rules may be tough, but it's definitely good in the long run.

Going Amish

Not everyone in the Amish community was born Amish. Outsiders are more than welcome to try and prepare to live in an Amish community if they want to. In order to do that, they must ditch all of their technology and live in a community for at least one year. They must learn their way of life, religion, and cultural standards.

Origin

The term "Amsh" is from the name Jakob Amman. Amman was a Swiss Anabaptist from the Mennonite church who was an advocate for the literal interpretation of the bible. His ideals created a divide in the church. The followers who sided with him were known as Amish.

Anabaptism

Anabaptism is considered a sect of Protestantism, but they refuse to baptize infants. Anabaptists believe that baptism should only be preform once a person is willingly able to confess their faith, hence the culture around teenagers figuring things out for themselves for a few years.

Baptism & Marriage

An Amish person will usually get baptized between the ages of 18 and 22. According to Amish rule, a person is not permitted to marry until they are baptized. When they do get married, it must be to another member of the church.

Non-violence

The Amish are famously very pacifist when it comes to violence. You'll rarely find an Amish member supporting the military. Their religious beliefs forbid any violent acts, especially war. 

Faceless Dolls

Have you ever seen an Amish doll? Locals right outside of the Amish community are probably more likely to have seen these dolls, but these are very popular for Amish children. The dolls are faceless because the Amish do not like to promote pride and vanity.

The Amish, in Numbers

The Amish community first immigrated to North America in the early 1700s. Their main settlement was in central Pennsylvania. As of today, there are over 300,000 Amish living in the U.S. and Canada. They are most centralized in Pennsylvania! 

No Music - At All

Even though the Amish love singing groups, it's unlikely that you'll see anyone playing an instrument. The reasoning behind the no-music rule is similar to that of the faceless dolls. THe Amish believe that a method of self-expression on the level of playing a musical instrument would encourage feelings of pride and superiority. 

Amish Women

Amish women tend to take on the traditionally gendered role of being a homemaker. They are in charge of cooking, cleaning, managing the family, and helping out neighbors. In public, Amish women will follow their husband's lead and be their assistants of sorts.

Getting Shunned

Getting shunned in the Amish community basically means you're one step closer to getting excommunicated. Members of the community must limit contact with the transgressor to shame them back to church. If the shunned person eventually learns from their wrongdoings, they will be unshunned.

Excommunication

Excommunication, on the other hand, is much more serious. The excommunication process involves the complete shutdown of contact with a person. It usually leads to banishment from the community. Even parents of an excommunicated child are no longer allowed to have contact with them.

No Cars, Ever

Members of the Amish community are not allowed to operate cars. The Amish horse and buggy is a very common thing to see if you're passing through Amish country! They believe that working together as a community is very important and that using a car would hinder that sense of community and the idea that they need to rely on one another.

Church Services

The Amish do not hold their religious services in a church. Anabaptists were persecuted long before the Amish community came together. At the start of this lifestyle, they were forced to practice privately in their homes. Now, that tradition holds strong. Each week, a member of the community will hold a church service on their property. 

Barn-Raising Events

Most people think of barn-raising when it comes to the Amish. After all, it's one of the things that they are most known for! A barn-raising event is an economic and social one where the community comes together to build a barn for a member. This event showcases the sense of community and lack f selfishness among the community.

The Amish Beard and Marriage

Yes, beards are sacred and an Amish man will always have one. But, the length of the Amish man's beard is something to take note of! A man will start growing his beard out immediately after getting married, which is usually a tell-tale sign if an Amish man is married or not.

Wedding Dress to Church Dress

After getting married, an Amish woman uses the outfit that she wore on her wedding for Sunday church services. The wedding day attire is usually handmade by the bride. Wearing it to Sunday churches showcases that she is married and committed to her relationship.

Political Beliefs in the Community

For the Amish, the word of God is above all governmental rule. At the same time, they commonly support the separation of church and state. Their religious beliefs will not affect laws, and in turn, the laws cannot affect their religious beliefs. 

Amish Education System

Like the olden days, Amish children learn in one-room schoolhouses. These children are usually in these types of schools until the eighth grade. After that, the child will go to vocational training where they learn life skills such as farming and carpentry.

How to Get Excommunicated 

As state before, an Amish teenager has a certain time in their life that allowed for experimentation with technology, drinking, and their religion. If they choose to come back to the Amish after that, they must adhere to the rules. Sometimes, they don't. If an Amish person is caught owning a computer or phone, drinking alcohol, or refusing to attend and take part in church services, they can risk excommunication. 

Against Evangelism

Although the Amish are recognized as Christians, they do not engage in the same activities that Christians do. They are against the idea of missionary work and evangelism to gain more converts to the faith. The Amish community believes that religion is a choice and not something you're born into. At the same time, they don't believe that trying to convert people is a natural way of bringing them closer to God.

The "Outsiders"

The Amish community may be very different from their neighbors, but that doesn't mean they don't get along. Most Amish are usually welcoming of people who are curious about their lives. Many Amish groups travel to neighboring cities to sell their produce, baked goods, and hand-made goods to outsiders. 

Modern Medicine

Even though the Amish tend to reject most modern things, medicine is not a part of that group. They are not opposed to using modern medicine, especially in the most serious circumstances. They do not have insurance, though, but the community usually pools funds together to help pay for sick community members.

No Photos, Please

You won't really see an Amish person posing for a selfie. They're opposed to being photographed due to the vanity of the fixed image. Some will agree to be in candid photographs that they are not taking themselves or will pose if their face isn't showing.

Amish Population Boom

The Conversion Process

If an outsider wants to join the community, they must go through a rigorous process. They first have to learn the Pennsylvania German dialect. They must also adapt to a community member's household and learn the lifestyle. After a long period of acclimation, the church will vote on whether or not the person has the potential to convert.

Electricity-Free

Since electricity is considered a modern-day technology, most communities forbid the use of it. Recently, more and more communities have let little things like phones slide. Some households are able to share one phone. The phone is kept in a shack outside of the home and can only be used at certain times of the day.

Amish Marriage Law

In the Amish community, the rule is as follows: once an engagement is made public, the engaged couple must personally hand-deliver wedding invitations to each guest. This is also a way to make sure that everyone knows of the engagement. During the wedding, no kisses or rings are exchanged. It's quite different from mainstream wedding customs!

Funeral Services for Women

Funeral services differ between Amish men and women. When a married Amish woman passes away, she will be dressed in her wedding dress, cape, and apron. An unmarried Amish woman will be dressed in her church attire.

Leaving the Community

The group Mission to Amish People formed in the year 2000. MAP offers counseling for Amish people who wanted to integrate into "English" communities. They have developed services for ex-Amish and practicing Amish alike.

Shopping While Amish

The Amish grow a large amount of food that they consume, but they are also allowed to purchase food and products in other places. They usually shop at salvage stores, Amish-run dry goods stores, and even large supermarkets like Walmart. They just have to be a little picky on what they buy!

Amish Homes

Despite living very minimally, Amish homes tend to be very large. Amish communities promote child-rearing, so they need large homes to accommodate many children. The homes are usually standard and plain with no real decorations on the outside. 

Founder Jakob Ammann

The founder of the Amish, Jakob Ammann, was an Anabaptist from Switzerland who led the Amish movement. He lived during the 17th century and promoted a very literal translation of the bible. More and more people began to follow his beliefs which later carried onto the Amish community we know today.

A Housewife's Job

Amish women are typically kept at home doing housework. Young girls are always at their mother's side during the day while they are taught to do housework. Most decisions of the house are made by the husbands.

In the Media

There have been many shows talking about what Amish in the media. Shows like Breaking Amish, Amish Mafia, and Return to Amish have been featured on television. Many people outside of the community are curious as to how Amish folk lives. The Amish are pretty private, even those who consented to be on the TV shows.

Amish Church Services

Amish people do not have church buildings, so they worship in the homes of community members. Services will rotate every other Sunday. These services do not use candles, instruments, alters, or even choirs, unlike most church services. 

Inheritance Goes to the Youngest Son

In Amish culture, it's custom for the youngest son to inherit the land and property of their father. In most cultures, the oldest son gets the inheritance, so this custom may seem flip-flopped. 

The Ordnung Order

The Ordnung Order, aka the Amish Rules, is a set of orders by which the Amish must live by. Each set of rules changes depending on the Amish communities, but they are very similiar.