Amish People - Curiosities

This time I'll be postig some cultural curiosities abou the Amish. I hope you all enjoy!

About the use of electricity

"Amish people interpret linking with electrical wires as a connection with the world - and the Bible tells them they are not to be "conformed to the world." (Romans 12:2) In 1919 the Amish leaders agreed that connecting to power lines would not be in the best interest of the Amish community. They did not make this decision because they thought electricity was evil in itself, but because easy access to it could lead to many temptations and the deterioration of church and family life[...]"

About the use of beards

For the Amish, the beard is a mark of an adult Amishman. In other hand, the mustache, throughout history, had been associated with militarist issues and therefore are forbidden among the Amish people.

About the black hats

"[...]in Lancaster County, the Amish men wear broad-brimmed hats of black felt. The width of the brim and hat band and the height and shape of the crown are variables which gauge the orthodoxy of the group and individual wearer. A wide brim, low crown, and narrow hat band denotes the oldest and most traditional style. Within church groups, one's age and status is often reflected by the dimensions of one's hat. For warm weather, straw hats are preferred by plain men."

About dolls for the little girls

"[...] most of the dolls for little girls were rag dolls without faces. The Amish have retained this custom. [...] The reason is similar to the refusal to have pictures of people and is linked to the second commandment. (Exodus 20:4-6) At an early age children are learning not to have images, likenesses, idols."

About Musical Instruments

" [...] Musical instruments are forbidden by the Old 0lder Amish community. Playing an instrument would be "worldly." It is contrary to the spirit of "Glassenheit" (humility), and would stir up the emotions of those who are involved."

More interesting issues HERE


Posted by Paulo Fernando