5 Surprising Facts About the Amish - The Amish Farm and House (2024)

FAQs

What is unusual about the Amish? ›

While the Amish do not take pictures of themselves, they do use mirrors. The use of a mirror is allowed because unlike a picture, it is not a graven image. Women use mirrors to do their hair and men use mirrors to shave. If you take our guided farmhouse tour, you'll spot a few mirrors in the house.

The core Amish values are to lead a simple life of faith. The Amish believe that their religious faith and the way they choose to live are interdependent. These core beliefs lead to a very strong set of values of faith, family, community, and a simple unworldly life.

Amish people reject most aspects of modern life. They do not usually use telephones, electricity, radios, televisions, or automobiles. Horses and buggies provide transportation. Many Amish are excellent farmers who do not use power machinery.

I think the level of integration with the modern world varies community to community (some Amish communities are more insular than others) but the most conservative of them will probably use the same methods women used for hundreds of years — wrapping themselves with strips of material, or wrapping their shift/ ...

The Amish have a true appreciation for nature so they especially love outdoor activities, like fishing and hunting, which can also provide food for the families. Bird-watching is another popular activity that the entire family participates in.

Birth control and abortion are forbidden by religious doctrine, even when pregnancy is life threatening. The Amish church has no rule against immunization, but only 16-26% of Amish children have received immunizations against the common childhood diseases.

Each person sleeps on their side of the bed, with a board in between them to prevent any physical contact. The couple is allowed to talk to each other during the night, but they're not allowed to touch each other.

Ohio Amish homes are easily picked out as one drives through a community. The houses are usually large but simple in design. Most feature white siding of some type. Porches and decks are common.

As far as Amish teens, they do get a chance to explore the outside world - from the time they're 16 until baptism in the church at ages 18 to 22 - in a practice called "Rumspringa." "They are in limbo between the authority of their parents and that of the church," Kraybill said. "They can do what they want on weekends.

Dating among the Amish typically begins around age 16 with most Amish couples marrying between the ages of 20 and 22. To find a prospective date, the young adults socialize at functions such as frolics, church, or home visits. One of the most popular activities is the Sunday night singing.

What are some facts about Amish food? ›

Traditional Amish food includes dishes like tasty roasted chicken, creamy mashed potatoes & gravy, seasoned vegetables, fresh bread, and homemade jam. The Amish are also known for excellent baked goods, especially pies, cookies, breads, cakes, and fry pies.

Some consider the Swartzentruber Amish to be the strictest Amish group due to their restrictive technology use. Riding in cars is permitted only in emergencies and is otherwise prohibited.

But how long do Amish people live? The average life expectancy of the Amish is similar to the national average, with many living into their 70s and 80s. Research on the Old Order Amish of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, revealed an average lifespan of 70.7 years.

Conclusion. So, when it comes to wondering if the Amish do eat pork, the answer is yes. It's also true that Amish people are allowed to eat anything unless they belong to a specific sub-denomination that has food restrictions. Amish pork dishes aren't too dissimilar to those found in most American homes.

Values. The Amish are honest and ethical in everything they do, even in the smallest business transactions.