Now, it is important to note that not every person wearing a bonnet and simple clothing is Amish. Adopting a similar code of dress, as well as similar customs, are the Mennonites. While there are comparisons that can be made between the cultural groups, they are not the same.
The Mennonites are also a Christian group but are nowhere near as devout as the Amish. The Mennonites actually live in a more modern setting and don’t seclude themselves. The Mennonites are more tech-savvy and are even allowed to drive cars.
Polyglots
Back in the day, it was important, and more common, to be able to speak more than one language. These days, English is universal in business, science, and a myriad of other fields. For this reason, it’s become less important for people to know languages other than English. For the Amish, however, it is almost a rule that they all speak the mandatory three languages.
Firstly, there is the native German tongue, from which their traditions stem. Religious services and formal proceedings are, therefore, conducted in German. But there are two other common languages for the Amish.
Spare Time? No Worries!
The Amish are actually crazy about traditional board games! Considering they don’t have modern technology, or the likes of social media to take up their free time, this makes total sense.
Almost tailored for winter days around the hearth of a fire, the Amish are fans of Scrabble, Settlers of Catan and even Monopoly!
Very Simple Weddings
Now, these days, when it comes to wedding celebrations, the bigger the better. But for the Amish, weddings are extremely simple. The man isn’t one to shower his woman with diamonds, and on the actual wedding day, the bride doesn’t wear makeup, or even jewelry!
The bride’s hair is also covered and wears the customary blue dress. Yes, blue, not white! Many weddings for the Amish are conducted during the fall.
They Pay Taxes, But Not Social Security
The vast majority of Amish don’t believe in getting benefits from the government, so they technically don’t have to pay Social Security, as they don’t receive the benefits, by choice.
They do, however, have to pay property and sales taxes like the rest of us.