Everything you wanted to know about the Amish!

FAQ about the Amish Who are they? What are the different types of Amish? Where do they live? Why don’t they use electricity? How is their health care? How do they travel? What do they do during the day? Can you become Amish?

Who are they Amish?

Formed around 1525 during a religious movement against the Roman Catholic and Protestant Churches Believe in a simpler, family-centered way of life Typically farmers Their families and their farms are their top priorities, second only to God Do not use electricity They can trace their heritage back hundreds of years, and they still live and work much as their ancestors did

What are the different types of Amish?

There are around 25 different groups, the main groups being Old Order Amish and the Mennonites They differ in how they dress, how they travel, their occupations, and rules about technology They also vary in their traditions and their own interpretations of the Bible The more traditional groups are called 'old order'. They do not permit electricity or telephones in their homes They wear plain clothing styles, which has earned them the name "Plain People" Mennonites allow more modern technology, dress and education that then Old Order Amish groups

Where do they live? The Amish live in 27 states and Ontario, Canada The majority live in Pennsylvania, Ohio and Indiana

There were over 339,000 Amish and Mennonites living in the United States in the 2000s We’ll be focusing on the 4,800 Pennsylvanian farms that are in Lancaster County.

Why don’t they use electricity?

By restricting access to television, radio, and telephones, the Amish are better able to keep the modern world from intruding into their home life It helps to keep their life simple Many use gas instead to heat their homes or run appliances because gas occurs naturally

How is their health care? There is no rule about not seeking modern medical help Most do not have health insurance, so the Amish communities ban together to help pay for someone’s medical bill They are less likely to seek medical attention for minor aches or illnesses and will take home remedies and drink herbal teas.

How do they travel?

The old order groups do not own or operate automobiles, believing that cars would provide easier access to the ways of the world While they do not permit the use of tractors in their fields, these old order Amish groups do use modern farm equipment pulled by teams of horses or mules You will often see their horses and buggies on our local roads Sometimes they will accept rides from outsiders in order to get medical treatment or for employment

What do they do during the day?

Children attend Amish one-room schoolhouses through the eighth grade Amish worship services are held every other week in one of the member's homes Socializing is an important part of Amish life The Amish have a strong sense of community spirit, and often come to the aid of those in need example: barn raisings

Can you become Amish? Yes you can! But it is not easy- you’ll need a formal education in Amish beliefs, learn their language (A type of German called Pennsylvania Dutch), have a baptism into their religion, not to mention giving up technology and the majority of your possessions Since 1960, the Amish population in Lancaster County has almost tripled!

Can Amish become YOU? When you are 16, you embark on your Rumspringa, which means “running around” in the Pennsylvania German dialect. This period is an important time when Amish youth need to decide if they will be baptized and join the church or leave the Amish community. Many go out and live in the “modern world” during this time. Or join a reality show, such as these teenagers did in 2004.

Sources: county.com/amish-and-mennonites.html county.com/amish-and-mennonites.html tml tml