The Amish Way of Life

The Amish have lived in North America, especially in the state of Pennsylvania, for centuries, and today they are also present in 28 states as well as the province of Ontario in Canada. The Amish have attracted attention for decades because they have a simple, familycentred way of life. They reject the use of technology, electricity and even cars.

Their families and farms are the most important things to them. The Amish people are very religious. They take the Bible seriously and separate themselves from the world we live in. They believe that thinking too much about this world may stop them from being close to God and may destroy their community.

There are different groups among the Amish. The more traditional groups are called the ‘Old Order’. They do not use electricity or telephones at all in their homes. By restricting access to television, radio and telephones, the Amish believe that they are able to keep the modern world away from their home life. These people do farming as a way of life. They feel their lifestyle and families can best be maintained in a closed rural environment. These Old Order groups do not own cars because they believe that cars would provide easier access to the world outside.

Many people are curious about the life of the Amish since they have a very simple, peaceful lifestyle. They wonder how these people can survive without electricity or technology. Well, they’re not just surviving; they’re growing and flourishing. Since 1960, the Amish population in Lancaster County has almost tripled. Their separation from the rest of the world and their way of life actually helps to strengthen their community. Their clothes are also different from modern clothing. Women and girls wear dresses made from solid-colour fabric with long sleeves and a full skirt. They never cut their hair and do not wear jewellery. The men and boys wear dark-coloured suits, coats, loose trousers, suspenders and solidcolour shirts. They also wear hats. They do not have moustaches, but they grow beards after they marry.

Most of us today would think it is impossible to live without modern conveniences such as electricity and cars. What makes the Old Order Amish unique is not that they live their lives without modern-day tools, but that they choose to do without them.