Amish Lifestyle Habits That Might Catch You Off Guard

From their unique customs and beliefs to the secrets of their inner world, there’s so much to discover about the Amish. So read on to learn more and deepen your understanding of these cloistered folk.

The Ordnung helps keep the Amish community on track and maintains their traditional way of life. While it may seem strict to outsiders, the clear format of the Ordnung prevents confusion and allows the Amish to live according to their beliefs.

Mustaches, however, are not allowed for anyone. This shows the importance of marriage in Amish culture, as well as the value they place on maintaining a certain appearance.

This language is specific to the Amish and is sometimes considered outdated by outsiders, but it remains an important part of Amish culture. It is a key part of their identity and helps to preserve their distinct way of life.

For the Amish, their clothing is about humility and valuing what’s on the inside over what’s on the outside. Women wear basic bonnets and dresses, while men stick to simple, muted colors. It may seem old-fashioned, but for the Amish, it’s all about simplicity.

For instance, they may use refrigerators to keep food fresh, generators to power electronic devices, and propane-powered forklifts for farming tasks. This shows that the Amish approach to technology is not uniform and that each family makes decisions about what is best for them.

The Amish follow a sub-sect of Christianity called Anabaptism. When teenagers reach a certain age, they can participate in the Rumspringa tradition and be baptized later on if they choose.

Many Amish teens opt to return to their community and embrace their old traditions, but others might take the opportunity to experience new things. Ultimately, the choice is up to the individual.

Despite what outsiders may believe, these groups do not engage in debauchery. Instead, they offer wholesome recreational activities like sports and social events. These groups also provide a chance for Amish teens to find a spouse.

During the 1990s, some Amish individuals were caught purchasing and dealing illicit substances worth $100,000. A lot of people thought the individuals caught were dealing with people outside their community. However, many were shocked that they were actually selling to other Amish folks.

However, the Amish do not like to talk about pregnancy. They also dislike talking about the baby creation process due to their inherent discreteness and modesty. Celebrating pregnancy milestones is contrary to Amish beliefs. Gender reveal parties would be an abomination.

Whatever happened during Rumspringa is easily forgiven and forgotten by the Amish people once the teen returns to their community. Returning teens can go back to their families and live the same lifestyle, totally forgiven for whatever deeds they did during Rumspringa, even if they did not adhere to the rules of Ordnung.

Courtship is not quick. The ritual starts from the late teens up to their early 20s. Males will show their intent to an Amish lady by picking her and her family up in his horse and cart and taking them to church. After this, the lovebirds will have to write to each other for an entire year before the man is allowed to ask for the woman’s hand in marriage.

Their focus is not on material things but on the sanctity of the occasion. Their dress style keeps up with their everyday clothes. They casually dress up, and no fancy rings are involved. It is generally an affair that is attended by not so many people – only their tight-knit community. 

The Amish, therefore, do not value education and believe that studying is not beneficial for their lifestyle. They allow their kids to go to school but only up to the eighth grade. After this, boys are essentially taught to work using their hands. Meanwhile, girls are expected to care for their homes.

Usually, these wedding dresses are colored blue. Women can select the fabric and shade they want for the dress. They also do not place the dress in a box for keeping. Instead, they wear the dress on special occasions.

The Amish believe that baptism is essential, but it is not what dictates how they should lead their lives. Being good is a life goal that one needs to strive for as long as one is living. Good deeds should be done as much as one possibly can. 

According to the Amish, the eldest male son is required to learn everything the father has taught. These skills are the ones that will guide the eldest to live a good life and enable him to support his family. The youngest son is expected to struggle more since he has had the least access to the father’s wisdom. This is why the youngest generally receives the inheritance.

Many people suspect that the low cancer rate the Amish experience is due to their healthy lifestyle. They nurture their crops, they do not consume fast food, they farm their animals, and they eat organic meat. They also do not allow themselves to be exposed to technology. Plus, they spend a large part of every day outside. 

An unmarried man and woman can spend an entire night in a room together. However, a divider must separate the two. They also need to be fully clothed during the night. They are also not expected to sleep. Instead, they should talk from evening until dawn. 

Anyone who breaks the community’s rule is given two choices: they can own up to their mistake and say sorry to the people they wronged. If they don’t, they must face the consequences. If they choose the latter, the guilty party will be rejected by the community and will be required to leave.

The group was apparently in a war with another Amish community. The brawl stemmed from one group believing that the other group was not following the traditional values. One group decided to take matters into their own hands. They broke into the houses of their enemies and shaved off the men’s beards.

The exemption ensures no Amish person will ever serve on the frontlines of any war. They grew up believing that violence should never be used against anyone, and these gentle people have always lived a life of peace away from any tension or war.

Some believe this is a design error. However, the Amish confirm that the faceless dolls are intentional. They believe that all humans are made equal in God’s eyes. The faceless figures represent how everyone is seen the same way by the Supreme Being.

Despite being a traditional and conservative community, their population is continually growing. Currently, there are an estimated 400,000 Amish people residing in America, and their numbers are increasing by the year.

The current population of the Amish can be traced to the original 100 people that belonged to their community. Essentially, their members have merged. The result is the Founder Effect, which leads to genetic disorders. However, since the Amish do not regularly visit doctors, their problems are mostly undiagnosed.

Even practicing how to play a musical instrument is a no-no. Essentially, musical instruments are banned in the community. The Amish believe that modesty and humility are values that need to be practiced. Playing a musical instrument is considered improper as it demands too much self-expression and creativity – features that are not normal within such a conservative environment.

Newly engaged Amish couples are not allowed to share their relationship status with anyone except their immediate parents and family. They need to wait for four weeks before announcing their relationship in a “publishing” ceremony held at a church.

Newlywed Amish couples visit different parts of their communities to meet with families and friends. The visit allows the extended celebration of their nuptials and gives them a chance to receive gifts. It is a uniquely Amish honeymoon that highlights the bond of their tightly-knit group.

Some Amish people welcome modern medicine into their lives, while others prefer to have nothing to do with it. Those who are open to accessing medical care need to fork up their own money for treatments as they do not have insurance.

Some completely welcome the idea of sharing their Amish way of living with the rest of the world. Some Amish individuals do not mind being the center of attention in photos. All you need to do is ask, and they may be more than willing to accommodate your request.

Horses and carts remain their preferred mode of transportation. Very rarely do Amish people use modern vehicles to get around. If you do pull over to give them a ride when they’re in need, they generally will not turn down your generous offer.

Amish wives do as they’re told, while the men are expected to rule the home. They believe in what the Bible says that women need to allow themselves to be ruled by their husbands. This old-fashioned belief seems to work within this humble, non-violent community.

Complaints about the Amish impact on the natural world have escalated to the point that the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) has even stepped in. The agency has reportedly asked the Amish to change some of the ways they do things, but such requests have been mostly ignored.

Women prefer to wear their wedding dress not only on Sundays at church but also when their time comes to be buried. An apron is placed on the wedding dress when they are buried in it. The practice honors their belief in modesty and humility, even in death.

Reportedly, the Amish do not accord animals, such as horses, the same respect as their fellow human beings. Over the years, there have been numerous reports of Amish individuals mistreating their horses. Some also underfeed cows in a way many people would see as unacceptable. 

Women keep their hair in a bun to keep it away from their faces. Meanwhile, men can trim their hair, but only to prevent it from going in their faces when they are working. Men are allowed to cut their hair daily if needed.

Most Amish prefer to live in their community and socialize with their people. They also remain with their families and friends. When the youth engage in Rumspringa, they leave the community and at times struggle to blend with society and make new friends. 

Some people want to join the Amish faith. Their numbers are few, and being accepted into the community is even rarer. To have a chance, you must live with an Amish family for a few months to know and accept their way of life.

The state of Indiana is home to numerous Amish communities. Such a community can speak Swiss-Amish along with Pennsylvania Dutch and English. Most Amish people can speak each of the three languages while conversing with each other.

According to Amish women, they enjoy cooking and looking after their kids. They consider being a homemaker as the most important thing a person could do. Amish men feel that it is an honor for women to care for the household, and they have profound respect for their wives.

When an Amish person is excommunicated, members begin a practice known as “meidung” which involves cutting off all communication with the banished member. The congregation may no longer accept gifts, eat with, or sleep with the shunned individual. However, a shunned Amish person is always welcomed back into the fold should they genuinely repent for their actions.

The Amish interpretation of Jesus’s principles also prevents them from being a part of the court system in any capacity. The way they see it, litigation of any kind is viewed as an act of aggression.

This type of gathering is a pillar of the Amish way of life. It speaks to their community building and unity in their beliefs and each other. 

To do this, they keep large amounts of dogs in a small space for the specific purpose of breeding them and selling off their offspring. This has led to the anger of many animal rights activists.

Johnny Mullet was caught on camera cutting one of his follower’s beards, along with a handful more men.

Because their education stops in the 8th grade, some Amish youth decide to pursue their secular education by getting their GEDs or even going to college.

 This would be down to their Rumspringa. When the coming-of-age child partakes in modern clothes and modern society, the Amish trace it back to their European roots.

Over the last hundred years, the life expectancy of an Amish person has remained fairly steadily the same. This is likely due to lack of access to healthcare and scientific advantages.

Pets are seen as more for farm-use than adoring sidekicks. Cats eat rodents, horses pull buggies, dogs hunt, etc. 

This is probably a factor in why they are able to use puppy-mills to make money and do not see animals as pets to be loved, rather they are there for a utilitarian purpose.

Velcro and zippers are also banned within the Amish community. Capes are used for religious services but are not worn regularly.

Furthermore, they would not visit a dentist because it goes against their religious practices, so even though they qualify for Medicaid, they abstain.

In 2019 in North Bloomfield, Ohio, shortly before 1 AM police pulled over a horse and buggy after spotting two men drinking out of the back and a 12-pack of alcohol on the roof. Once pulled over while searching the buggy police noticed there was a full-blown stereo system in the back.

The Amish take sports and games very seriously. This is evident when it comes to any gathering where the chance to play something like horseshoes comes up. Things can go from cool, calm, and collected to competitive real quick.

Driving through an Amish community it is very common to see nets strung up on lawns, especially on the weekends. One reason for volleyball’s popularity is its place in Amish youth social life.

As of late, some Amish communities have softened their stance toward the use of birth control. The idea is that more unexpected pregnancies can be harmful to the mother’s mental health or pre-existing conditions.

The Amish themselves generally use the term only to refer to accepted members of their church community, and not as an ethnic designation.

Amish live in  30 states across the United States and sell their products in many more. Their items are more than not under what someone would typically spend at a chain store, and the quality is excellent.