The Amish

1. Who are the Amish? They are Christians and they live like people did in the 1600’s. They don’t have any electricity and their transportation is horse buggies. They don’t believe in sex before marriage. The ceremony takes place in their own homes. When they turn sixteen they are allowed to see the world outside. This period is called Rumspringa. They can go to parties, have sex, get drunk, wear normal clothes, and drive cars and life like the normal Americans. The Amish are known for throwing the wildest parties in the world. During this time they have to make a choice, the choice is whether they want to join the church and live the rest of their lives as an Amish, or live like normal American people. If they choose to live as normal people their family won’t talk to them or see them again. It’s the parents’ way to show them that they love them. 85-90% of all Amish choose to return to their life as Amish. The highest thing for an Amish is god, and after god it’s their parents. 2. What is the history of the Amish? They came from Europe but escaped to USA where they settled down in Pennsylvania. They did it to get their religious freedom, because they were chased in Europe. Today there are over 90.000 Amish people living in over 20 states in America. 3. Do they speak English? They speak a language called ”English Dutch” Which is a combination of English and Dutch. 4. Do Amish children go to school? Yes, they go to school until 8th grade. Where they graduate and start working for their families. They don’t believe in education because they have to work on the farm anyway. There’s only one room in the school, and they only learn the basic stuff like reading and writing.