When you hear the word “Amish,” what do you think of? Probably people who stick to horses & buggies and shy away from smartphones—you’d be right! But there’s a lot more to this fascinating community. Here are ten of the most truly surprising aspects of their lives that go beyond the bonnets and barn raisings.
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Rapid Community Growth
While they might be reclusive, the Amish community is growing fast. Why? Because they usually have big families with six or more kids on average. Most of us worry about the space & cost of raising a large family yet the Amish are thriving with theirs! As such, their way of life continues to be strong which is pretty impressive.
The Adventure of Rumspringa
You’re not forced into being Amish. As a teenager, you have the chance to explore the world outside your tight-knit community as part of an event called “Rumspringa.” They get a taste of life beyond the farm to decide if they want to commit to their community’s traditions or take a different path. Surprisingly, most of them choose to return and stay Amish.
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The Art of Quilting
Quilting is a big deal in Amish communities. Instead of cozy blankets, they’re pieces of art made for daily use or as cherished family heirlooms. Every stitch & pattern has its place and shows off skills passed down through generations while bringing the whole community together, needle by needle.
Education Stops at Eighth Grade
For the Amish, formal schooling wraps up by the eighth grade because they believe in learning through doing. Once they’ve learned the basics, kids focus on practical skills like farming or carpentry—pretty important skills for life in their community. They don’t value higher education as much because they can learn everything they need from real life.
Diverse Workforce
Though farming is a big part of Amish life, tilling the soil isn’t the only thing they do. Many have branched out into businesses like construction & woodworking while also keeping to themselves. This community interacts with the wider economy and brings its strong work ethic into various markets.
Solar Innovation
It sounds crazy but it’s true—some Amish communities use solar power. They’re trying to stay off the grid and solar panels are a great way to do this. Essentially, it allows them to be self-sufficient & isolated from mainstream society but in a slightly modern way. Who would’ve thought it?
No Photos, Please
If you ever visit an Amish community then you should keep your camera tucked away. The Amish believe that photographs go against the biblical rule against making any “graven image.” All their children’s dolls lack any faces for the same reason. It’s just part of their dedication to humility & avoiding vanity!
Church Services at Home
Instead of building church structures, the Amish hold their religious services in the homes of their community members. It rotates from one house to another so they can keep their religious observances intimate & personal. Plus, having church services at home also means they can strengthen their community ties.
No Musical Instruments
Speaking of church, don’t expect to find any musical instruments in Amish services. Their singing is a cappella because they believe that instruments could lead to displays of showiness—that’s not exactly modest. They believe that singing without music helps their worship remain sincere & humble.
Beards but No Mustaches
Have you ever noticed that Amish men grow beards but shave their mustaches? There’s a reason for that. Historically, mustaches were associated with the military and since the Amish are pacifists, they avoid them. Beards, though, are seen as a sign of manhood & commitment within the community.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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