Amish: Livsstil, historie og traditioner

I chose the topic Amish because the Amish people is to me, special people who live another way than the most other do, and the way they interest me, is their very relaxing lifestyle.

The Amish come from Switzerland in Europe, back in the 16th century, a group of people who believed that baptism was for adults, and wanted the state and the church to be separated. They become known as the Mennonites. In the late 17th century some of the Mennonites felt that the church was to slack about it’s discipline, they allowed too many modern things. The leader for the people, who wanted the church to be strict, was Jacob Amman who gave name to the Amish. He decided that you should stay away from the people who were expelled by the church. They called this shunning. It’s still exists today. The Amish moved to USA because when they heard about religious tolerance and rich farmland in the new world they decided to move on to the USA. In fact they were invited by William Penn to settle in Lancaster County.

Today the Amish live in USA, and they are known for their restrictions on the use of modern devices, such as automobiles and electricity. The Amish speak a German dialect known as Pennsylvania Dutch at home, and are taught English at school. They prefer to have minimal contact with non-Amish. The Amish are also well-known for their willingness to help one another, for example when a barn is being raised, they make their barns in wood, so they burn down easily, and as Amish do not believe in insurance they would have a problem if they did not help each other. The Amish does not have rubber on their tires, cause if you can move fast you will lead a life which is too hectic and modern. Because of their relaxed lifestyle it’s not unusual to see three generations work together, they also say that work under the right circumstances, is as enjoyable as play.