A
large group of Amish people decided to move to Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan a few
years ago. We see them at local farmers’ markets, at local stores and driving
their horse and buggies near where they live and other areas. They seem to be a
friendly lot. Some of the stores put a place for their horses to be secured. We
are not permitted to park near these areas to prevent us from blocking the
area. The men usually sport beards and the women wear bonnets and long dresses.
There have been some complaints about them driving their carriages during the
nighttime hours. People fear they may not see their black buggies. The police
have not been able to convince the Amish people to install lights to the back
and front of their buggies. There has been another complaint about the Amish
not having to obtain building permits. Our home was built by the Amish, they
worked for a manufactured home company. I have learned through my travels that
they own restaurants, build furniture and build homes, they are a talented
group of people. They are also farmers. I decided to explore and learn more
about what it is like to live in an Amish community.
The Amish people have lived in
America for a long time with the first Amish people arriving during the 18th
century. They moved to this country to escape persecution because of their
religious beliefs. The first sect was established by Jakob Amman, a Swiss
minister, during the late 17th century in the Anabaptist church. He
believed that his followers should adhere to the teachings of Jesus and His
apostles, but leave the rest of the world behind, not get involved in the daily
lives of others outside of their sect. The word “Amish” originated from his
name.
Their language was derived from the
“Deutsch” or German and from an ancient dialect. Because of their isolation
from the outside world, their language is spoken differently than the current
German. Their language has been influenced by the English population.
Farming is the central focal point
of their lives so where they live depends on where they can farm successfully.
The population of the Amish has expanded due to their large families so they
tend to live on land away from urban areas. They initially resided in Ohio and
now have expanded to 30 states and they also reside in Canada. Ohio has the
largest Amish population. The Amish population is one the fastest growing
populations in the U.S. In 1920, the population was at 5,000 and now it is
almost 300,000. In 1984 the population was reported to be at 84,000. The
extensive growth is related to the belief that large families are a blessing
from God. Children also provide assistance on the farms.
Contrary to what I believed, the
Amish are taxed on their earnings. Increasing numbers are venturing into
business enterprises, primarily carpentry and the sale of farm products. They
form construction crews that build homes and other buildings. A friend of mine
told me that her neighbors hired the Amish to put a new roof on their home. As
a result of owning property and earning money through various ways, they pay
all taxes: income, property, sales, estate, corporate and school. They were
exempted by Congress to not collect or pay social security . they view social
security as a commercial insurance. They believe the members of the church should
provide for its community members. The Amish people have been exempted from
workmen’s compensation for the same above reason. They are excluded from
military service due to their belief in non-resistance. This not only applies
to war, but also law-enforcement, politics and legal actions. Wouldn’t life be
simpler if we didn’t have to deal with any of these things?
The Amish life is ruled by the
“Ordnung,” a German word for order. Most
Amish people forbid the owning of cars, televisions, computers, other forms of
self-propelled machinery and the use of electricity. They forbid the sanction
of divorce, and attending high school and college. Photography is not permitted
because it may lead to personal vanity. Another Amish word “hochmut” defines
the prohibition of the demonstration of pride and arrogance. It is believed
that the horse and buggy mode of transportation keeps the community anchored in
one area.
Amish children attend school usually
through eighth grade, mostly private schools. A few have attended public
schools, approximately 10%. The United States Supreme Court passed a ruling in
1972 that they could end school at the age of 14. Instruction is usually
provided in English and their German language.
The Amish are not considered one
single unit, there are four main groups: the Old Order, the New Order, The
Beachy Amish and the Amish Mennonites. Subgroups and different rules exist
amongst these various categories. The Beachy Amish and Amish Mennonites have
been known to drive cars and use electricity while the other groups do not.
Their dress is rather plain with
some groups only wearing black and white clothing, while others may wear muted
colors. Buttons are not permitted because of the potential for showiness, and
such things as Velcro and zippers are also not allowed. They use pins and
hook-and-eye closures. Capes may be worn to religious services.
The term “Rumspringa” refers to the period of
time in young person’s life when they are deciding to either be baptized and
join the church or leave the Amish community. The term means running around and
this running around stops when they get married. When a person turns 16 the
youth will socialize with their friends on weekends. They will perhaps seek a
future mate or explore the workings of the outside world. The “Rumspringa” ends
when the person is between the age of 18 and 21 or if they decide to leave the
Amish community.
I hope this summary of what it is
like to live in an Amish community was helpful. It is my understanding that
they are a hard working people who embrace the solidarity of their communities.
With farming being their main focus, the community practices a drive to satisfy
the responsibility of caring for their community as a whole. I have seen during
the winter months, a long line with cotton towels were hung to dry and possibly
air. I saw a young man at a mail box, he seemed excited to discover what had
been sent. The males are usually seen driving the horse and buggies. I imagine
the family members are assigned the traditional jobs of males and females such
as the females handling the cooking responsibilities. I wonder if they
celebrate any of the holidays we celebrate. Do they read books on a regular
basis? When it is dark outside do they light candles? Perhaps I will need to
interview a few Amish people to find out more about their lives.
Reference
Diebel,
M. (August 15, 2014). The Amish: 10
things you might not know. Retrieved on March 7, 2017 from http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2014/08/15/amish-ten-things- you-need-to- know/14111249/
I find them fascinating.
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