Amish+Culture

All aspects of Amish life are dictated by a list of certain rules called **Ordnung.** Ordnung which outlines the basics of Amish faith and helps define what it means to be Amish. For an Amish person, the Ordnung may dictate almost every aspect of one's lifestyle, from dress and hair length to buggy style and farming techniques. Different Amish people have different beliefs, which is why you see some riding in automobiles while others don't even accept the use of battery-operated lights.



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Article: **By Rachel Spohn**

The Amish people are best-known for their resistance of modernity in all its forms. These tradition-driven communities have fascinated and intrigued America for generations. But not everything that "outsiders" hear about the Amish is true or completely correct. What do the Amish really believe and who are they? This article briefly explores the traditions and culture of the Plain people. The foundation of this way of life lies in the Ordnung. This written or oral list of rules dictates all aspects of Amish life, and it outlines the basic tenets of the Amish faith and helps define what it means to be Amish. From hair and dress length to buggy style and farming techniques, the Ordnung may dictate almost every aspect of one's lifestyle. The Ordnung does vary by community, so do not be surprised if you see some Amish driving automobiles while others don't even accept the use of battery-powered lights. Because they feel that technology weakens the family structure, the Amish are averse to any form of it. Many of the conveniences that the modern world takes for granted, such as electricity, automobiles, television, telephones, and even tractors are seen as a temptation that creates inequality. Technology is also considered to be detrimental to the building of a close-knit community and is discouraged and unaccepted in most orders. Therefore, most Amish plow their fields with horse-drawn equipment, live in houses that don't have electricity, and get from place to place in horse-drawn buggies. Oftentimes telephones are allowed, but not in the home. Several families will instead share a telephone located in a wooden structure between the farms. Also, some modern technologies such as inline skates, gas barbecue grills, and disposable diapers can be seen among the Amish because the Ordnung does not specifically prohibit them. The Amish style of dress is one aspect of the culture that immediately sets them apart from the world around them--and that is exactly how they want it. Symbolic of their faith, Amish clothing styles encourage humility and separation from the world. Thus it is very simple and avoids all but the most basic ornamentation. The clothes are made at home from plain, dark-colored fabrics. For the men, they generally wear straight-cut suits and coats without collars, lapels, or pockets. The trousers never have creases and are worn with suspenders. Belts, sweaters, neckties, and gloves are forbidden. Prior to marriage, young men are clean-shaven, whereas married men are allowed to grow beards; moustaches are not allowed. As for the women, sold-color dresses with long sleeves and a full skirt, covered with a cape and an apron are typical fare. They wear their hair--which they never cut--in a braid or bun at the back of the head covered by a small white cap or black bonnet. Patterned clothing and jewelry are forbidden. When it comes to dress, the Ordnung of the specific Amish order can dictate matters as explicit as the length of a skirt or the width of a seam. The various Amish communities across America have been one culture unique in its view of life and the world. Although cultures are only best understood by the people who live in them, it is still important to make an effort to create understanding and tolerance.



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