Surprising Things You Might Not Know About The Amish
The Amish Faith Actually Started In Switzerland: The church was created after Amish founder Jakob Ammann separated from a group of Swiss Anabaptists in the late 1600s. The Amish followed the teachings of the Mennonite faith, but split away from the Mennonites in the late 17th century because they felt the Mennonites weren’t disciplined enough. Even so, in the U.S. today, sects generally vary in dress and style of worship.
The Amish Have Their Own Language: It’s called Pennsylvania Dutch, owing to the fact that so many Amish settled in Pennsylvania and is an amalgam of German, Dutch and English.
Amish Women Aren’t Married In White: What non-Amish consider traditional, Amish consider downright weird. Women are married in blue or purple gowns, and don’t wear make up or jewelry.
Children In Amish Communities Typically Don’t Receive Higher Education: A 1972 Supreme Court (Wisconsin V. Yoder) ruling deemed that Amish families weren’t required to educate their children past the 8th grade, and were protected under the freedom of religion clause. Some families do choose, however, to persue higher education. Most of the time, though, kids are required to help around the house and farm.
While They Don’t Own Cars, They Are Allowed To Ride In Them: The Amish generally don’t permit motorized automobiles in their communities, but they are allowed to accept rides from non-Amish people, whom they call English.
