Some are very friendly to us “outsiders”, but some will avoid any contact, making you feel like you carry a contagion. I've received the right hand of fellowship and the cold shoulder. But to answer this often asked question, yes, the Amish do have English, sometimes called Yankee, Non-Amish friends.
There's no rule against friendships between Amish and non-Amish people. The Amish love meeting other people and conversing about life. But always respect their devout laws and views on modern living, which will almost certainly differ from yours.
Amish people aren't forbidden from interacting with outsiders, whom they refer to as 'the English', but there are only a few situations where this is allowed. An example of such a situation is their work. Just like any other community, the Amish people need to earn a living and support their families.
Remember, the Amish community cherishes the practice of gift-giving as a means of strengthening relationships, expressing gratitude, and celebrating life's special moments. While they may refer to outsiders as "English," they are more than willing to accept gifts from those outside their community.
Non-Amish people are generally referred to as "English" by the Amish, and outside influences are often described as "worldly". Amish church membership begins with adult baptism, usually between the ages of 16 and 23.
The languages most commonly spoken by the Amish are Pennsylvania Dutch and English. Amish community members use Pennsylvania Dutch when conversing with each other in their community. English is only really used for communicating with outsiders.
Yes. The Amish in Lancaster, Pennsylvania celebrate Christmas. As you might expect though, Amish Christmas celebrations are done in a much simpler way. You won't find Amish families visiting Santa Claus, decorating their homes with Christmas lights, or putting an elf on their shelf.
Out of respect for their privacy, it is best to avoid approaching the Amish unless they appear open to company. They are just like you and don't really appreciate strangers knocking at their door. When you do have a need to approach a group of Amish, it is polite to speak to a male, if possible.
So, the Amish don't really have a special name for people who aren't Amish. Instead, they usually call them "English," which basically means anyone who's not Amish. The term shouldn't be taken as an insult. It's just a way for the Amish to set themselves apart from the rest of the world.
Often the first six or eight baby names are the easiest to come up with since many start out naming their babies after the child's grandparents on both sides of the family. Next, come the aunts and uncles, with a few favorites scattered in as well. Most amish children are only given a first name and a middle initial.
All types of birth control, and also all forms of natural family planning such as calendar-based methods, are forbidden in Old-Order Amish communities. However, especially in recent years, more Amish women have begun using contraception.
Marriage in the Amish community is seen as a passage into adulthood. To get married in the Amish community, members must be baptized in the church. Outsiders, non-Amish, or 'English', as they call the rest of the world, are not permitted to marry within the Amish community.
The Amish also believe marriage should be between a man and a woman. Same-sex relationships are not allowed within the Amish community. Unmarried Amish men and women aren't supposed to have any physical contact with each other. This includes kissing, hugging, and even holding hands.
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.
It seems that they are certainly on to something, because numerous data points indicate that the Amish live happier and healthier lives than the average American.
It's still uncommon for Amish people to have social media accounts, but there are more progressive settlements where some people do — especially young people during Rumspringa, the period between roughly ages 16 to 20 where your behavior isn't being dictated by either your parents or the church.
Feminine Hygiene
Female Amish wash their hair and wear it in a bun. As for makeup, Amish women aren't allowed to wear cosmetics or adornments considered worldly. This includes lipstick, mascara, eye shadow, and jewelry.
Among the Amish, Rumspringa simply refers to adolescence. During the period known as Rumspringa, beginning at about age 16, Amish youth are no longer under the total control of their parents on weekends and, because they are not baptized, they are not yet under the authority of the church.
Women are to keep their hair long and worn in a single braid or bun that is pinned behind their head. Hair must be kept out of sight, as it's seen as too sensual and can be distracting for men in the community. The reason Amish women don't cut their hair is more than just aesthetic preference.
It is common for Amish communities to allow the use of telephones, but they do not allow them in the home. Instead, several Amish families will share a telephone housed in a wooden shanty in a nearby location.
Conclusion. The Amish, or Pennsylvania Dutch as many outsiders know them, are Germanic people. Most of the earliest Amish arrivals came from the Swiss/Alsace region and brought their traditions and mother tongue with them. Generations of living apart from other communities have kept their heritage intact.
Meet the McCallums, one of Australia's few Amish families — The Sydney Morning Herald. A family leaves behind the trappings of the 21st century to lead a simple, self-sufficient and pious life in rural Tasmania.
The most common Amish surnames are Yoder and Miller. Yoder is also common in Mennonite communities. It is of Swiss origin, as many other Amish last names are. Miller, however, seems to have been adopted after the Amish arrived in North America.
Although the Amish have a strict aversion to technology and much of what they deem “worldly activities”, birthdays are a time of celebration in Amish communities. Amish People will receive gifts, cards, congratulations and food as people celebrate their birthdays in their communities.