The Amish lifestyle is often seen as a peaceful, simple escape from modern life, but behind their traditions lie practices and beliefs that outsiders rarely see. Amish women, in particular, maintain traditions that shape every part of their lives. Here, we’ll reveal some of the lesser-known aspects of Amish women’s private world and the customs that shape their daily routines.
1. Strict Dress Codes with Hidden Messages

Amish women’s clothing serves as a language of its own, speaking volumes about their lives. Their modest dresses and prayer caps, devoid of buttons and bright colors, reflect an adherence to humility. But beyond simplicity, the specific length of their dresses, the colors they wear, and even their head coverings communicate age, marital status, and sometimes even mood. Clothing becomes a subtle expression of identity and faith, allowing women to express their place within the community without words.
2. A Life Without Photography or Selfies

For Amish women, photographs are largely forbidden. The Amish interpret the Bible’s prohibition of graven images to include any representations of people, seeing it as a way to avoid vanity and focus on inner qualities. Photos might be allowed for landscapes or daily life scenes, but portraits remain rare. Some younger Amish are reportedly more lenient, but even candid snapshots are discouraged, creating a world where memories are cherished without digital captures.
3. Minimalist Beauty: No Makeup or Jewelry

Amish women’s views on beauty contrast sharply with mainstream standards. They avoid makeup and jewelry, seeing these as symbols of vanity that distract from spiritual qualities. Beauty, to them, is expressed through natural looks, modesty, and cleanliness. Their approach challenges modern ideals, emphasizing that inner beauty holds far greater value than external adornments, and many take pride in their unembellished presentation.
4. Submission with a Strong Influence at Home

The Amish value family hierarchy, and traditional gender roles are emphasized. Amish women are expected to be supportive partners to their husbands, who generally hold decision-making power in significant matters. However, within the home, women wield a strong influence. They oversee finances, manage the household, raise children, and sometimes even offer guidance to their husbands on daily matters. This division of roles provides a unique form of balance, allowing Amish women to fulfill an indispensable role within their families and communities.
5. Hair Care as a Symbol of Faith

For Amish women, hair is considered sacred and is never cut. It’s viewed as a symbol of strength and submission to God, requiring careful upkeep and protection. Long hair, typically worn in a bun and covered by a cap or bonnet, represents modesty and faith. Different styles of head coverings indicate marital status and community role, adding yet another layer to the cultural significance of their hair. These practices stand as reminders of their commitment to faith and family.
6. Limited Formal Education to Preserve Values

Amish children finish school by the eighth grade, with the belief that further education could lead them away from their traditional values. Amish women learn essential skills, such as cooking, sewing, and managing households, which are more relevant to their daily lives than academic achievements. By focusing on practical skills, the Amish maintain self-sufficient communities and pass on their knowledge through hands-on experiences.
7. Emphasis on Large Families

Amish families are often large, with women viewing children as blessings rather than burdens. A large family reflects faith and community strength, ensuring future generations carry on Amish traditions. Contraception is rarely used, as they trust in God’s plan for family size. The close-knit family structure is often supported by older siblings who help care for younger ones, creating a culture of responsibility and shared labor.
8. Work Within Traditional Boundaries

While Amish women primarily care for the household, many also contribute to family businesses, such as baking, quilting, or sewing. In some cases, women may even operate their own small ventures, provided they align with community values. These activities allow them to express creativity and contribute economically within the boundaries set by Amish customs, revealing a resourceful side that is often overlooked.
9. Unique Wedding Dress Traditions

Amish Brides wear dresses of blue or indigo on their wedding day, rather than the traditional white seen in many other cultures. This choice reflects humility and commitment to faith. Amish wedding dresses are usually handmade and worn long after the wedding, often serving as Sunday church attire and even burial clothing. This tradition not only emphasizes practicality but also the deep significance of marriage vows within the community.
10. Restrictions on Spiritual Leadership

The Amish church follows a strictly male-dominated hierarchy, with men holding positions of formal authority, such as bishops and deacons. Amish women, however, play a vital role in the spiritual life of their families. They instill faith in their children, manage religious practices at home, and ensure that the family upholds community values. Although they don’t lead services, their influence is profound, making them the backbone of faith within the Amish world.
The Balance of Tradition and Modern Curiosity

These aspects of Amish women’s lives reveal a balance between commitment to tradition and subtle adaptation to the changing world. While they may seem restrictive to outsiders, Amish women find strength and purpose in their roles. Their lives are rooted in faith, family, and community, with each custom reinforcing a lifestyle they believe brings them closer to God.
What We Can Learn from Amish Values

The Amish lifestyle, though very different from mainstream society, offers thought-provoking lessons about simplicity, humility, and community strength. Amish women’s dedication to family and self-sufficiency inspires us to consider the ways we balance technology and tradition in our own lives. In a world of constant change, the values held by Amish women invite us to reflect on what truly brings fulfillment and peace.

A former park ranger and wildlife conservationist, Lisa’s passion for survival started with her deep connection to nature. Raised on a small farm in northern Wisconsin, she learned how to grow her own food, raise livestock, and live off the land. Lisa writes about homesteading, natural remedies, and survival strategies. Whether it’s canning vegetables or setting up a rainwater harvesting system, Lisa’s goal is to help others live more sustainably and prepare for the unexpected.