The Amish are known for their simple, old-fashioned way of life, but there’s more to them than most people realize. This article uncovers surprising facts that will give you a new perspective on the Amish. From how they use technology to their unique community rules, these insights will change the way you see this intriguing group.
The community uses a German Bible
While the Amish are now primarily found in places like Pennsylvania and Ohio, their roots trace back to Swiss immigrants who came to America in the 18th century to escape religious persecution. Since then, they have continued to use the same German version of the Bible.
School is over after the 8th grade
Amish people don’t pursue college or further education. Instead, they focus on learning practical skills within their communities. From a young age, they begin working in jobs like construction, farming, and shopkeeping. They attend local Amish schools until their teenage years, after which they transition directly into the workforce.
Source:
peter santenello via youtube
Women cannot preach
The Amish are deeply traditional, especially when it comes to gender roles. Men are viewed as the leaders of the community, responsible for guiding others, including in prayer and worship. This aligns with the practices of many religions worldwide, where women are not permitted to preach.
Source:
chris f via pexels
Only adults can be church members
The Amish are Anabaptists, meaning they don’t believe in baptizing babies at birth. They feel that baptism should be a personal choice, made with full understanding. As a result, they wait until a person is mature enough to make an informed decision before performing a baptism.
Source:
mission to amish people via youtube
They don’t have pictures taken
If you’re familiar with the Amish, you know they avoid modern technology, but that’s not the only reason they shy away from photos. They believe that posed pictures create ‘graven images,’ which the Ten Commandments forbid. However, some Amish people consider candid photos to be less sinful.
Source:
relevantlife via reddit
Pennsylvania-Deutsch is their first language
Though the Amish are descended from German-speaking Swiss people, the language they speak today is a bit different. In their communities, they use a dialect known as Pennsylvania-Deutsch or Pennsylvania-Dutch, which has uniquely evolved from High German, the dialect spoken in regions like Austria and Switzerland.
Source:
nrg800 via wiki commons
Teenagers are encouraged to leave for a period of time
One of the key Amish traditions is called Rumspringa, which is the focus of the show *Breaking Amish*. During this period, young adults from Amish families are encouraged to explore the modern world and experience its opportunities, helping them decide what kind of life they want to lead.
Source:
Chipagosfinest via x
Around 90% will stay
You might assume that discovering things like iPhones and fast food during Rumspringa would make someone want to leave and explore the world, but that’s often not the case. The Amish community’s strong sense of belonging means that over 90% of individuals choose to stay and continue their life within the community after Rumspringa.
Source:
gadjoboy via wiki commons
Moustaches are not allowed
A big bushy beard is a trademark look for Amish men, but you’ll notice they don’t have mustaches to go with them. This stems from a historical reason: mustaches were once linked to military service, which the Amish oppose. As a result, they traditionally shave off mustaches to reflect their beliefs.
Source:
ivan mcclellan via wiki commons
Children are given dolls without faces
Just as posed photographs are seen as graven images, the Amish also avoid dolls that resemble people. However, they don’t deny their children toys; instead, they create their own cloth dolls without faces, dressed in traditional Amish outfits.
Mennonites are different
Don’t confuse them with other groups! The Amish aren’t the only religious group in America that follow traditional ways. The Mennonites, for example, also live by old-fashioned rules but have some differences. Mennonites can wear patterned clothing and use more technology compared to the Amish.
Source:
exmennonite via reddit
They use specific computers
In today’s world, running a business without a computer or phone for customer communication is nearly impossible. To address this, a special type of computer was created that only allows access to word processors, spreadsheets, and accounting software. This setup helps businesses stay operational while avoiding distractions like the internet or games.
Source:
Suitedbadge401 via reddit
Non-Amish are called ‘English’
As descendants of German-speaking immigrants, the Amish have always maintained a distinct identity from the rest of the country. To emphasize this separation, they refer to anyone who is not Amish as “English,” regardless of nationality or language.
Church services are held in homes
Despite being a deeply religious group, the Amish don’t use specific church buildings. Instead, services are held in members’ homes, with a different family hosting each week. Because Amish families are large and their homes are relatively small, the service often spreads throughout every room, with the pastor moving around the house to deliver the sermon.
Source:
curbyjr via reddit
Women wear wedding dresses to Church weekly
Instead of visiting large bridal stores like those featured on *Say Yes to the Dress*, Amish women make their own wedding dresses. After the wedding, the dress is repurposed as their Sunday best and is worn to church and other religious ceremonies.
Source:
it:Utente:TheCadExpert via wiki commons
Some pimp out their buggies with stereo systems
Instead of cars, the Amish use traditional horses and buggies. In places like Lancaster, Pennsylvania, you’ll often see them parked along the roadside. Some buggies even have modern upgrades, such as speaker systems and lights.
Source:
vanpimpenstein via reddit
Their population doubles every 20 years
In Amish communities, large families are common, as having many children is encouraged by the Bible’s command to “Go forth and multiply.” Due to this high birth rate, the population in Amish communities typically doubles every two decades.
Source:
kiwideapi via wiki commons
Most are descended from 200 families
Today, most Amish people in the United States are descendants of just 200 families who fled religious persecution in Switzerland 300 years ago. This limited gene pool has some drawbacks, including a higher incidence of genetic disorders and birth defects within the Amish community.
Source:
PookieFugglestein via wiki commons
They don’t own cars, but will use taxis
Heading to the grocery store in a horse-drawn buggy can be quite a hassle, especially for Amish families who buy in large quantities. Since they can’t drive themselves, they often rely on taxis to transport their groceries and other goods. Some taxi drivers have found a profitable niche by catering specifically to the Amish community.
Source:
lizzieh wellness via facebook
They will never enlist
The Amish are pacifists and do not support war, conflict, or fighting. Consequently, they do not join the U.S. military. If a draft were to occur and an Amish man were conscripted, he would refuse to serve.
Solar panels and wind turbines are used for electricity
Some Amish individuals navigate the rules about electricity by using off-grid solutions. Instead of avoiding electricity entirely, they use solar panels and wind turbines to generate power for their own properties, ensuring that the electricity is produced independently from public sources.
Source:
amish america via youtube
They don’t play musical instruments
In Amish communities, singing is a central part of daily life and worship services. However, they do not use musical instruments. They believe that singing is a pure expression of the soul and prefer to create music through their voices rather than with man-made instruments.
Source:
juan pablo serrano via pexels
They shun those who have done wrong
In an Amish community, breaking the rules can lead to being shunned. This means that everyone in the community must ignore you—no eye contact, conversation, or social interaction. This practice continues until you genuinely repent for your actions.
Source:
gadjoboy via wiki commons
They don’t like people joining them
Have you ever received leaflets or seen ads inviting you to try a new church? The Amish aren’t involved in such activities. Not only do they avoid using the internet, but they also don’t engage in evangelism. They don’t preach to those outside their community or seek to convert others.
Source:
missjardinera via reddit
They don’t like modern medicine
The Amish are well-known for avoiding modern conveniences such as TV, music, the internet, and trendy clothes. They also take a traditional approach to medicine, relying on natural remedies and prayer rather than modern treatments like pills or injections when someone falls ill.
Source:
pixabay via pexels
It’s very difficult to convert
If you’re drawn to the Amish way of life and their commitment to tradition and community, joining isn’t entirely forbidden, but it is extremely challenging. The Amish are cautious about outsiders and thoroughly test anyone’s commitment before considering them for membership.
Source:
adobeallen via reddit
There’s only one Amish person convicted of homicide
The Amish are well-known for their peaceful nature and opposition to violence, so it may come as a surprise to learn that there has been one case of homicide within the community. In 1993, an Amish man named Edward Gingerich was convicted of killing his wife after being diagnosed with schizophrenia.
Source:
infamous crime locations via youtube
Buggy DUIs are possible
Being Amish doesn’t exempt you from road rules! Drunk driving can still be an issue, even with a horse and buggy. Buggies must also meet certain safety standards, like having indicators, and not complying with these regulations can lead to significant fines.
Source:
chris light via wiki commons
Couples bond by ‘bundling’
In an Amish community, couples get to know each other through a tradition called bundling. This involves the bride-to-be and groom-to-be lying next to each other in bed, wrapped in a blanket or sack to prevent physical contact, while staying in one of their parents’ homes overnight. It’s a unique and modest way for them to spend time together before marriage.
Source:
palifaith via reddit
They love Florida
Contrary to popular belief, Amish people do enjoy having fun and go on vacations like everyone else. They particularly love visiting Florida, with the town of Pinecraft in Sarasota being a favorite destination for many Amish families.
Source:
topshotchick via reddit
Rules have never been written
Apart from the Biblical guidelines, there is no official written code of conduct for the Amish community. Known as the *Ordnung*, this set of rules governs how Amish people should dress, worship, and conduct their daily lives. Instead of being documented, these rules are passed down through generations by example and tradition.
Source:
verschiedene via wiki commons
Songs can last up to 30 minutes
While the Amish don’t use musical instruments, they have a deep love for singing. In fact, some of their traditional songs can last over 30 minutes! Amish singing is often described as slow and droning, reflecting their belief that it comes from the soul rather than being crafted to sound pleasing.
Source:
valereee via wiki commons
Women own just four dresses
The Amish discourage over-consumption, so they don’t purchase new items for every occasion. Women typically own just four dresses: one for washing, one for wearing, one for special events, and one as a spare. Since they make all their own clothes, which requires significant effort, having four dresses is practical and sufficient for their needs.
Source:
gilabrand via wiki commons
Clothes don’t have collars, zips, or patterns
The Amish are known for their plain clothing, reflecting their preference for a simple lifestyle and their view that many modern clothes are excessive. Amish clothing avoids features like zippers, collars, and frills, and is never made from patterned fabric. This simplicity aligns with their values of modesty and practicality.
Source:
rlevse via wiki commons
Barn-building is a social event for them
In the Amish community, barn raisings are among the most significant social events, second only to church gatherings. The entire community comes together to help lift a barn from its foundations, enjoying plenty of delicious food and playing games during the event.
Source:
r/homestead via reddit
Women cannot cut their hair
Though Amish women always wear small white ‘prayer caps’ as part of their attire, they actually avoid cutting their hair after marriage, similar to how men stop shaving their beards. They are permitted only to do minor trims, while significant haircuts are forbidden, and hair coloring is not considered at all.
Source:
etymologynerd via reddit
A songbook with no notes
Similar to the *Ordnung*, the Amish songbook, known as the *Ausbund*, lacks musical notation. It contains the lyrics to songs and hymns but does not provide instructions on the melodies. Instead, the tunes are passed down through generations by tradition.
Source:
gregorhelms via wiki commons
Their dairy and bakery businesses are well known
Residents near Amish country have long known that Amish businesses offer high-quality, fresh, organic produce grown without pesticides, traditional bread made without preservatives, and raw dairy products free from chemicals. Additionally, the Amish are highly regarded for their construction expertise and excellent customer service.
Source:
labadorrr via reddit
No photos on government IDs
Because the Amish believe that posed photographs are ‘graven images,’ they refuse to have their picture taken for official government identification cards. It’s a reminder that some concerns, like how you look in your ID photo, might seem minor compared to their deeply held beliefs.
Source:
Happy_Harry via wiki commons
An Amish group formed a band
During their Rumspringa, three young Amish men discovered a passion for secular music and musical instruments. They chose to form a band called the Amish Outlaws and decided to remain in the secular world rather than return to their community. The band continues to perform today, sporting stage outfits that resemble traditional Amish clothing.
Source:
big daddy abel via wiki commons
Please SHARE this with your friends and family.
Article Sources:
To learn more read our Editorial Standards.