The Amish way of life may seem like a throwback to another century, but for more than 370,000 people in the United States today, it’s the present. Most Americans only encounter the Amish through roadside produce stands, tourist towns in Pennsylvania Dutch country, or cultural portrayals that don’t quite tell the whole story.
In truth, growing up Amish means being raised with strict traditions, a powerful sense of community, and values that run counter to most of modern society. It’s not just a religion – it’s a way of life with deep roots and unwavering boundaries.
A Faith Forged from Separation
The Amish faith traces back to a 17th-century religious split among Swiss Anabaptists. The core issue was baptism – specifically, the belief that only adults should be baptized, since babies can’t make a conscious decision to join a faith. Over time, this difference evolved into an entirely new sect under the leadership of Jakob Ammann. His followers became known as the Amish, and by the 1700s, many had migrated to North America, lured by promises of religious freedom and land. Though many early settlers merged with other faiths, a conservative remnant kept the old ways alive – those are the Amish communities we know today.
Simplicity Above All Else
At the heart of Amish life is a belief in humility, modesty, and obedience to the community. The concept of “Gelassenheit,” often translated as calmness or self-surrender, plays a major role. It’s about putting others first and resisting pride or vanity. That’s why personal success and individualism are discouraged, and why even small modern conveniences can be considered spiritual threats. Innovations like electricity, cars, and even buttons are seen as ways people separate from their neighbors or elevate themselves above the group.
Technology: A Careful Line
The most visible part of Amish culture for outsiders is their resistance to modern technology. But the truth is more complicated than a blanket rejection. While many devices are forbidden – like televisions, smartphones, or electric lights – there are exceptions made for practical needs. For instance, some communities allow solar panels or wind power, especially if it helps remain off the public power grid. And while owning a car is usually prohibited, riding in one isn’t. It’s a line that’s navigated carefully: use what’s necessary, but don’t let it shape your identity.
The Ordnung: Rules Without Exception
Every Amish community follows a set of rules known as the Ordnung. It outlines everything from acceptable clothing to technology use and governs daily life with remarkable detail. Though the rules may vary slightly between communities, they are non-negotiable. Once baptized, members commit to this lifestyle for life. Twice a year, the Ordnung may be reviewed and modified – but only with full community agreement. These slow and communal changes keep Amish culture remarkably consistent across generations.
Rumspringa and the Decision to Stay
Despite their strict structure, the Amish do allow for a period of exploration. Known as Rumspringa, this adolescent rite of passage gives young people a chance to experience life outside the community. During this time – usually between 16 and 23 – Amish teens might dress in English clothes, drive cars, or even date freely. But ultimately, they’re expected to decide whether to return and be baptized or leave permanently. About 90% choose to stay, suggesting the pull of tradition and community runs deeper than most people assume.
Marriage, Baptism, and Community Membership
Marriage in Amish life is tied to one’s religious commitment. You can’t get married in the community unless you’ve been baptized, and baptism is a one-time, irreversible commitment. Those who break their vows or reject the Ordnung can be excommunicated and shunned, often losing contact with family and friends. The act of leaving is not taken lightly, and those who do so face immense social consequences.
The Face of Modesty: Appearance and Grooming
Beards and bonnets aren’t just style choices – they’re symbols of faith. Amish men grow beards after marriage but shave their upper lips, distancing themselves from military associations of the past. For women, long uncut hair is kept hidden beneath prayer coverings, a practice rooted in biblical tradition. Haircuts, makeup, and even shaving are discouraged. These rules apply equally to men and women, reflecting a community-wide rejection of vanity and a focus on uniformity.
Bundling and Bed Cording
Dating within the Amish world comes with its own rules, and one of the most surprising traditions is bed courting. In some communities, unmarried couples engage in a practice called bundling, where they sleep in the same bed – fully clothed and often separated by a board or sewn sack – to get to know each other without breaking physical boundaries. It’s a blend of Old Testament storytelling and modern practicality, with strict oversight to ensure nothing inappropriate happens before marriage.
A Different Childhood
Amish children grow up under very different conditions than most American kids. School ends after the eighth grade, and by then, they’re expected to contribute to the family – either on the farm, in workshops, or with household duties. Education focuses on reading, writing, math, and religious values. Toys are limited, too: no electronic gadgets or lifelike dolls. In fact, faceless dolls are standard, meant to prevent vanity or self-idolatry and remind children that everyone is equal in God’s eyes.
Singing Without Instruments
Music is an important part of Amish worship, but you won’t find pianos or guitars in their homes or churches. Instruments are considered too individualistic, drawing attention to one performer rather than the collective. Instead, the Amish sing hymns from the Ausbund, a book of religious songs passed down since the 16th century. These hymns are sung slowly, without harmony or musical accompaniment, preserving a sacred oral tradition that has lasted centuries.
The Hidden Strength of Simplicity
For all its restrictions, the Amish lifestyle offers something many in the modern world have lost – a sense of belonging, purpose, and peace. It’s a life structured around community, not convenience. Discipline, sacrifice, and humility guide every step, from childhood to old age. The rules may seem harsh to outsiders, but for those inside, they offer clarity in a noisy world.
To grow up Amish is to be shaped by values that most Americans can’t imagine living by today. It’s a life lived close to the land, to family, and to faith. It’s also a life of hard choices, where even a haircut can carry deep meaning. While not everyone who’s born Amish stays, those who do are part of a world that most people never really see – one where the past isn’t something to study, but something to live.
Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, John developed a love for the great outdoors early on. With years of experience as a wilderness guide, he’s navigated rugged terrains and unpredictable weather patterns. John is also an avid hunter and fisherman who believes in sustainable living. His focus on practical survival skills, from building shelters to purifying water, reflects his passion for preparedness. When he’s not out in the wild, you can find him sharing his knowledge through writing, hoping to inspire others to embrace self-reliance.