Amish

The roots of the Amish began in Switzerland among Swiss Brethren in 1693 under the leadership of Jakob Ammann.

Then, in the early 18th century they began immigrating to Pennsylvania because of intense religious persecution.

Today, they continue to speak the Pennsylvania Dutch, a language between English and German, or Alemannic German of their former homeland.

The blue marks are where Amish live – in the Pennsylvania area.

By some estimates, there are as many as eight different orders within the Amish population, with the majority joined with one of five religious orders - Old Order Amish, New Order Amish, Andy Weaver Amish, Beachy Amish, and Swartzentruber Amish. These churches operate independently from each other with differences in how they practice their religion and conduct their daily lives.

The Old Order Amish are the largest group and the Swartzentruber Amish, an offshoot of the Old Order, are the most conservative.The Old Order Amish are those that have been the most successful at resisting change and in retaining their traditional way of life.

Technology is generally where you will see the greatest differences between Amish orders. The Swartzentruber and Andy Weaver Amish are ultraconservative in their use of technology - the Swartzentruber, for example, do not even allow the use of battery lights. Old Order Amish have little use for modern technology, but are allowed to ride in motorized vehicles including planes and automobiles, though they are not allowed to own them. The New Order Amish permit the use of electricity, ownership of automobiles, modern farming machines, and telephones in the home.