The Amish believe in living simply and avoiding temptation or prideful displays of wealth. Buttons are seen as decorations on the clothing, which can be considered extravagant by some members of the faith. Additionally, buttons can become a distraction from the Amish's faith.
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.
As part of their Ordnung, Old Order Amish forbid owning automobiles; tapping electricity from public utility lines; owning televisions, radios, or personal computers; attending high school or college; joining the military; and initiating divorce. All Amish groups expect men and women to wear prescribed clothing.
Men wear long trousers in public in summer as well as winter, rather than shorts. Amish believe that a plain appearance befits a Christian people who emphasize internal virtues over appearance and other superficial external qualities.
The clothing is fastened with straight pins or snaps. Hair is never cut and is worn in a bun on the back of the head, concealed by a prayer covering. Single women in their teens and twenties wear black prayer coverings for church services; a white covering is worn at most times by women of all ages.
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/ ...
Amish. 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.
The reason Amish women don't cut their hair is more than just aesthetic preference. It's rooted in Christian scripture, specifically the words of St. Paul in I Corinthians 11:15 which states “but if a woman has long hair, it is her glory”.
Concerning deodorant, yes, the Amish DO wear deodorant. If they don't, it's their personal choice.
However, in addition to the modesty aspect, women must keep their heads covered at all times so that they can pray at any time. Both modesty and prayer are central to the daily lives of Amish people and for women, wearing head coverings and bonnets is an important part of that.
Since the Amish feel strongly about their community and honoring God by respecting others, much of their spare time is spent connecting with others. The Amish will often visit with relatives, neighbors, church friends, and even non-Amish friends.
For shorter distances, they may use scooters, but bicycles are also banned. It is believed that cars and bicycles move too quickly over long distances, therefore connecting the Amish to the outside world.
The marriages are dependent on if they are between two members of the Amish church or a member and an outsider of the Amish church. The decision to marry a person outside of the Amish church is one that comes with a decision to be made by the person in the community, but before they are baptized by the church.
Amish men outlive Amish women, in part because of the high birth rate (average of 7 live births/woman). Birth control and abortion are forbidden by religious doctrine, even when pregnancy is life threatening.
The practice of wearing Amish bonnets or head coverings is stated explicitly in 1 Corinthians 11. It strongly suggests that men should keep their heads uncovered during prayer and prophesying, while women should wear head coverings at all times, especially during prayers.
My ex-wife Priscilla was an Amish. We met during her Rumspringa. She told me they used to fill a wooden bath once a week and then the family would take turns bathing in it.
Amish Women Rules
They also can't wear makeup or anything to alter their appearance. Married Amish women are expected to be submissive toward their husbands. This is done in a respectful way and according to the bible.
Amish women don't display their hair for Biblically-based reasons . They also do not cut their hair, pinning it all up underneath a kapp, or prayer covering. The Biblical Commandment. The Amish and Mennonites believe that it is a Biblical command for women to cover their heads when they pray.
Appearance and Attire
They wear a cape or apron over the dress and fasten everything with pins or snaps. They do not cut their hair, which they wear up in a bun. They wear a prayer covering or bonnet on their heads. They do not wear jewelry or makeup.
Despite being surrounded by an ever-changing society, the Amish culture thrives on old-fashioned traditions. Amish women don't shave their underarms or legs because, according to their interpretation of 1 Corinthians 11:5-15, doing so would violate God's law.
The Amish on Soap & Showers
Some Amish with indoor plumbing have deluxe walk-in showers. More conservative Amish still bathe the old-fashioned way, boiling some water and stepping into an old washtub.
Amish men use their beards as a symbol of marriage. If a man has a clean-shaven face, it means he is single and ready to mingle, which is important for the ladies to know. However, if he's got a beard, he's taken. Back off, ladies.
The Amish stay up after dark, but they go to bed early: typically between 9 and 9.30pm in summer, and more like 8.30-9pm in winter. Most people start work at around 5.30am, so they're often up by 4.45am.
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.
Thus, the Amish don't use cars or bicycles for transportation, but they will use skateboards. They don't use electricity, but they do use disposable diapers.