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Late 17th Century to Present Day

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About 400,000 Amish people are in North America. They are mainly found in the United States. The most populous states being Indiana, Ohio, and Philadelphia

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The Amish are considered a Christian subculture. They lead a simple life full of important things like humility and faith. There are many different types of Amish like Old Order Amish, Amish Mennonites, and New Order Amish. All have different characteristics but follow the same principles.

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During the 1600’s, in Zurich, Switzerland a man named Jakob Ammann formed the Swiss and Alastian Mennonite Anabaptists. Eventually they decided to divide into different branches. In the 1800’s they made their way to North America, mostly the United States. In some places they use Pennsylvanian German as the main dialect.

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Rumspringa: This is the period of time where the Amish children get to leave the community

The time period starts at 16 to 17 and lasts up to their early twenties. This gives them the chance to contemplate the big decision of joining the church. If they do not come back they are permanently shunned this makes the decision even harder. 85-90% of the children return to join the church.

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Amish Baptism: They decide whether they want to join the Church in their late teens and early 20’s. It is very important to them that their children get the choice. When they make the choice to join they have to make a confession of faith (the Ordnung) and are baptised. Joining the church is a huge commitment and if the commitment is broken they are shunned.

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Shunning: It’s an act of disapproval. They will ignore the person who has broken the commitment or left the community. The shunning period lengths differ based on the severity of the situation. This evokes feelings of isolation and deep reflection.

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Amish Dating: They only date with marriage in mind. The dating process starts at 16 for the boys and 14 to 15 for the girls. They can meet and mingle at church services, home visits, and other community events. During this dating process they are under strict rules to keep them ready for marriage.

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Bundling: Is an outdated practice and not practiced by many.  It was a practice used during the dating process. A man and woman lay in bed and they had to be fully clothed. There would be a board between them. They cannot touch but they are allowed to have conversations until the early morning. It was once a common Jewish practice.

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Marriage Traditions: Weddings usually happen during harvest season (late fall to early winter). It is tradition to host it on a Tuesday or Thursday. The bride’s parents hold it in their family home. They are also incharge of the traditional wedding feast. The feast typically contains chicken, bread, mashed potatoes, coleslaw, applesauce, creamed celery, pies, doughnuts, fruits, and pudding. In their culture there is no such thing as divorce so the dating process is very particular to assure the right match.

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Newlywed Traditions: The couple spends their first night together at the bride’s family home. During the night they will consummate the marriage. The couple will spend the next few weeks visiting friends and family receiving gifts. By the spring they will officially move into their own house together. For men they do not cut their beards after getting married because it symbolizes their marriage.

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They follow the bible. Their version is the Martin Luther Bible in German. Some also may use  the King James version.

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They believe in God and his only son Jesus. Jesus died on the cross for them and their sins. They have four core beliefs. Humility, family, community, and separation from the world is important.

Some also follow the Martyrs Mirror, the Ausbund, and the Dordrecht Confession of Faith which are books about living a life of faith. They care more about the practicing part of faith rather than theology and doctrinal things. It is very important to them to help your community and neighbours. Amish are well known for their lack of technology use but throughout the years some Amish have loosened their beliefs on the use of technology and vehicles.

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The Amish are very strict on following their rules and traditions. This means some don't even use technology or vehicles. They believe life is a spiritual activity.

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Some Amish communities are not so strict on some rules but some are.

1. No electricity

2. Limiting use of phones

3. Not owning a motor vehicle

4. Wearing specific clothing

5. Not owning insurance

6. Not receiving any government assistance ex. Welfare

7. Not serving in the military

8. Marrying within the community

9. Only being schooled up to 8 years old

10. Corporal punishment when discipling children

11. Rural chores and manual labour

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The Amish hold church inside their homes. If the home doesn't have an adequate space they may hold the service in their workshop or barn. Benches are handbuilt and will be moved from a home to another home in a wagon. Men and Women sit seperately. At the end they will wash each other's feet. They only will serve communion during the spring and in autumn. Church is held every other Sunday. There is no alter, candles, music, or choir. There is no idols or pictures of Jesus. They believe Church is not the building but the body of believers. The service is led by a Minister. Each district has a Bishop and two to three ministers.

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Their community name is the Amish. It came from their original leader Jakob Ammann. It is also said to mean "free from deceit".

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1. Crosses to symbolize their faith

2. 8 point star

3. Hex signs

4. Horse and buggy signs

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Horse and buggy used for everyday travel.

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They make quilts to show certain symbols like the 8 point star.

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They handmake furniture with little to no power tools to follow their belief of simplicity.