The Amish community, known for their steadfast adherence to a distinctive way of life, often referred to as “the Ordnung,” remains an intriguing subject of curiosity for outsiders. This set of unwritten rules governs various aspects of daily life, offering a unique glimpse into the rich tapestry of Amish culture. Despite the common perception of Amish living as a monolithic entity, it’s essential to recognize that not all Amish churches are the same. Each community, from the most traditional to the relatively progressive, embraces its own Ordnung, reflecting the idiosyncrasies that make them distinct.

The Ordnung: A Living Tradition

The Ordnung is the cornerstone of Amish life, a living “document” that serves as a guide for their unique way of living. It is reviewed and reaffirmed by the community twice a year during the Council service preceding Communion. This oral tradition, communicated through lived examples, is deeply ingrained in the daily lives of Amish individuals. Mothers and fathers play a significant role in transmitting the Ordnung to the younger generation, making it more a matter of “catching” than “teaching.”

Diversity in Amish Ordnungs

Amish communities across the United States embrace their own Ordnung, which can vary significantly from one church to another. To shed light on this diversity, we’ll explore six rules and guidelines from the Stevensville Amish Ordnung:

1. General Dress Code: The Stevensville Amish Ordnung mandates modest dress, prohibiting form-fitting clothing and bright colors such as red, orange, yellow, or pink. Worship services must not witness casual attire, and hoods, coats, or sweatshirts are forbidden. Notably, this rule reflects the conservative dress code typical of Amish churches, though variations exist in larger settlements.
2. Men’s Face & Head: Men in the Stevensville community are required to adhere to strict grooming standards. They must not part their hair in front, have shingled hair, or sport a mustache. Hats are compulsory, with a specific mention that western, cowboy-style, or ten-gallon hats are not allowed.
3. Women’s Clothing: The Ordnung mandates plain, non-transparent, and non-form-fitting clothing for women. Sleeves must not be too short and should be plain or have elastic just at the end, without ruffles. Low necklines are prohibited, and capes or bib aprons are worn.
4. Children, Work & Technology: The community emphasizes the importance of children working at home whenever possible, shielding them from the influences of modernism, including radio, TV, and computers. Additionally, owning and driving automobiles are strictly forbidden.
5. Recreation: While hunting and fishing are not prohibited, indulging in these activities purely for sport is discouraged, underscoring the Amish commitment to a simple and purposeful way of life.
6. Buggies and Bicycles: Buggies are a common mode of transportation for the Amish, but they must be plain without any elements of pride. Good lights, flashers, and emblems, as required by law, are obligatory. When driving on the road, Amish individuals must be courteous and obey traffic laws. Bicycles are allowed for necessary travel. The Ordnung does not specify a horse breed for buggies, but the Standard Breed is the most preferred, with some using Morgan or Dutch Harness horses.

The Significance of Rules

Within the Amish community, it is vital to recognize that not all rules hold equal weight. While minor infractions, like not wearing a hat or bright red suspenders, might result in a gentle reminder, some transgressions are considered grave and intolerable, such as divorce. The Amish firmly uphold the principle of marriage as a lifelong commitment; remarriage is prohibited if one’s spouse leaves the faith. Additionally, smoking and consuming alcohol are strictly forbidden.

A Patience and Humility-Based Approach

In the world of the Amish, the enforcement of these rules is guided by “patience, humility, and admonition.” It is a community effort, emphasizing compassion and understanding rather than punitive measures. This approach reflects the Amish commitment to maintaining their unique way of life while nurturing a spirit of unity and belonging among their members.

Evolution of the Amish Ordnung

While the core principles of the Amish Ordnung remain consistent, it’s essential to recognize that these guidelines can evolve over time. The Stevensville Amish community, for instance, initially had stricter requirements for clothing worn during bridal parties, but they have since become more lenient, allowing for more colorful attire on such occasions. This demonstrates the adaptability of the Ordnung as it responds to changing circumstances and the shifting attitudes of individual communities.

The Influence of Regional Factors

The Amish Ordnung is not a static entity, and it can be influenced by regional factors. For example, some Ordnungs may contain rules specific to the geography and culture of their location. In the case of the Stevensville community, the prohibition of western-style hats, possibly due to the Western environment in which they reside, sets their Ordnung apart from others.

Maintaining Tradition in a Modern World

The Amish way of life, as governed by the Ordnung, stands as a testament to the resilience of tradition in an ever-changing world. In the face of modernization and technological advancements, the Amish have managed to maintain their distinctive practices, emphasizing the value of hard work, community, and faith over the conveniences of the modern world.

A Window into a Unique Culture

The Amish Ordnung is a source of fascination for many, offering a window into a culture that emphasizes simplicity, self-sufficiency, and strong communal bonds. It serves as a reminder that amidst the hustle and bustle of contemporary life, there are communities that continue to thrive by adhering to time-tested values and traditions.

The Amish Ordnung represents a captivating glimpse into a culture that cherishes tradition, simplicity, and community. The diversity of rules across different Amish communities underscores the complexity of this intriguing way of life, rooted in faith, tradition, and a deep sense of identity.