The Amish Country
The Amish Community originated in Europe in the 1400's and then moved out to Germany and a couple other areas around there. The reason for the relocation was for other religions with different beliefs and punishments that they couldn't handle.If you haven't heard of them before it's because they live a different lifestyle. Not a lot of people understand that their religious beliefs aren't exactly like ours. This past month on my way to the sunflower festival I saw Amish people riding in their buggies and it had me thinking. How different is their life compared to ours. What I thought compared to how they live is extremely unique but old fashion that you don't see now a days. I had some background information on them when I went on a field trip in 8th grade that I faintly remember a few details. Weirdly I couldn't get them out of my mind. I just wanted to find out so much more about them that I was going insane.I then researched about them and found a few interesting things,what came across my eye was an 90 minute Amish country tour. Also,I emailed the site to get information and they respectfully answered me back. I was so thrilled to attend this tour and learn more information than just google. Something about them makes me happy to know how satisfying it is to live and be like them. But knowing me I wouldn't last a week. On this tour I've learned, they call the people out of the Amish community " English" because we are different from them. Also we originate from America which is English's first language, they can't drive cars so they use buggies which is carried by a horse. They can't use phones in the house so they go to "English" neighbors house for them to contact whom ever but most likely 911, or use a phone booth. They have family time,they always eat meals together, they go to bed at earlier times because they have to get up bright and early to start their chores. They cannot wear print or bright colors, they're clothes are neutral colors mostly black or faded blue and white,women wear white cloth hats on their heads shaped as a heart. School teachers were educated until the 8th grade. They are young and do not work after they are married.Men grow their beards out when they're married. Men don't grow mustaches because they didn't want to look like the men or associate with who waged war. Men also wear top hats.Boys start work at the age of 15 but aren't exactly Amish. The reason is they aren't baptized and they have a choose to be Amish or blend in with the rest of us. Most of the children that don't get baptized still have a good relationship with their families. 10 percent of children in the Amish community don't get baptized. The children who are a part of the Amish Community but breaks major rule(s) gets kicked out. Even if it's your siblings or friends you can't talk or sell to them. They have to repent for forgiveness and an confession to the community in order to be welcomed back in.The Amish Community does not go to church, they practice in their own homes.An Amish couple has at least 8 children per family. The reason the Amish have more children is because in their beliefs that the more children they have the more blessed they are. Unlike us "English" people who value our kids but worry about if we can support them.The children attend one room schools up until the 8th grade no matter how smart their child is. The Amish do not believe in any grade higher than the 8th grade. Since the Amish have a lot of children the classrooms fill up more and the capacity is 20-30 students.Once the room fills up the Amish build another school for them. As soon as they finish the 8th grade they start working.They work in the fields or even at a shop. In the Amish Community marriages are very specific.Once the Amish divorce they are not allowed to remarry. But if a spouse dies they are allowed to remarry.Mennonites are Amish but are more modern. They can use electricity,technology and go to church. Their buggies are black and Amish are grey. They also can wear modern clothes and wear print. You can spot an Mennonite easily compared to an Amish. Mennonites wear a round white cloth hat and Amish wear a white heart shaped cloth hat.They also are allowed to drive cars.They just differ certain beliefs than the Amish.On the average, 70,000 Amish residents live in Pa itself. In Ohio isn't so far behind from Pa. With 30,000 Amish residents marks Ohio in second place with the Amish population. Even though my beliefs are different from the Amish, I respect them and so should you.
