10 Strange Amish rules and laws

Amish night out by Randy Fath from Unsplash

10 Strange Amish rules and laws

Simplicity defines the Amish people. They lead simple lives guided by customs and rules that are unique to their community.

Subsequently, they are observed as a strange group because of their policies. For instance, the Amish are opposed to modern technology and medication. They don’t serve in the military, the men are not allowed to grow mustaches, and the young men should shave their beards until when they marry.

What’s more, they only wear plain clothing, no buttons or zippers on clothes, don’t take photos and there is a lot more. Read on to find out more insights about the Amish.

Here are the 10 Strange Amish rules and laws.

1. The Amish permit limited use of technology

The Amish community is divided into different groups, which are called orders. The main categories include the Old Order and the New Order. Further, there exists the Beachy Amish and the Amish Mennonites.

The Old Order Amish limits the use of technology such as electricity and automobiles. While this order permits the use of technology devices like phones, vehicles, and planes, it restricts its members from owning the same.

On top of that, the other three Amish orders are lenient and allow the use of technology. Such as using electricity, owning automobiles, modern farming machines, and phones.

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2. Amish not allowed to own cars, only horse-drawn buggies

An Amish farmer driving his horse and buggy by Joshua J. Cotten from Unsplash

Cars symbolize individuality and materialism according to the Amish. Hence they are not allowed to own vehicles, especially for the Old Order Amish. Thus they own horse-drawn buggies to ease movement.

Though with modernization, even the Old Order Amish can use cars to move around but not own them. But the New Order, Beachy Amish, and the Amish Mennonites enjoy the privilege of owning these facilities.

3. Use of musical instruments disallowed

The music of the Amish is unaccompanied meaning that they never use musical instruments. Some of them learn how to play traditional instruments like the harmonica or the accordion. But they don’t allow the instruments to be played in public.

Additionally, they hold the analogy that instruments such as guitars, banjos, and others are a source of self-expression. Thus it may cause unnecessary attention to the individual and trickle down into feelings of pride and superiority.

Bear in mind that the Amish religious songs are derived from the Ausbund, which is the High German songbook. This songbook has no musical notes. These tunes are passed on from one Amish generation to the next.

4. The Amish are not permitted to take photos

A photographer taking a photo by Nicolas Ladino Silva from Unsplash

Their thought is that any physical representation of themselves like in photos, paintings, or films violates the Bible. These works of art go against the second commandment, which prohibits the making of “graven images”.

Furthermore, they believe that such material promotes individualism and vanity. So it contradicts the principles of humility which ought to govern society. Even though they do not take photos of themselves, they also forbid others from taking photos of them.

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5. Only use hooks on shirts not buttons

Amish keep off buttons, zippers, or velcro to avoid potential ostentation. Thus they use pins or hook-and-eye closures to fasten their clothing. When attending religious services, they may add a touch of smarter clothes like capes to complement their look.

6. Amish education is limited to the eighth grade

Formal education is offered to children until the eighth grade. Learners have no option of attending high school or higher education institutions.

The students get exposed to basic literacy, arithmetic, and writing skills as well as, Amish history and values. To add on, vocational training is offered to equip the learners with practical skills and hands-on experience.

The teachers are chosen by a local school’s board of parents. They are selected based on their academic ability and the commitment they have to religious values and Amish views.

7. Amish limit the use of modern medicine

Orange pills by Christina Victoria Craft from Unsplash

According to a report by the National Library of Medicine, Amish reject health insurance coverage. Further, they do not practice birth control, and often dismiss preventive measures such as immunization and prenatal care. They prefer natural remedies.

Additionally, they are also exempted from social security. The National Library of Medicine report titled The effects of religious beliefs on the health care practices of the Amish gives more insights into the Amish practices of modern medicine.

8. No serving in the military

Amish are guided by the “Ordnung”. It is a German word for order and a set of rules for this community. Thus, they are opposed to joining the military because they believe in non-resistance.

Moreover, because of their belief, they are exempted from military service and law enforcement. They also don’t participate in politics and legal actions.

9. The Amish wear only plain clothing

Photo by Kia Sari from Unsplash

They hold the belief that plain clothing has an emphasis on modesty. It also ensures humility and avoids drawing attention to the individual. Hence, the Amish are not allowed to wear clothes with any decorations or adornments.

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10. Mustaches are not allowed

Amish men are forbidden from growing their mustaches.  The Amish associate mustaches with the military because in the 17^th century, it was compulsory for troops in most parts of Europe. The officers often treated the people cruelly. Since the Amish are champions of non-violence, they quit growing mustaches to be distinct from the servicemen.

Here are quick strange Amish rules and laws

11. The unmarried Amish men must shave their beards until they marry. Beards serve as a sign of maturity and responsibility.

12. Amish permit limited use of jewelry to curb pride and materialism.

13. They own limited furniture to avoid materialism and pride.

14. They allow limited use of mirrors to keep off pride and vanity.

15. Little to no makeup is allowed. The Amish hold on to simplicity so makeup to them is a potential source of pride and vanity.

The Amish rules and laws are an expression of simplicity. Though it appears as a strange way of life in the modern day, it is a source of contentment and happiness to the Amish. Hence they avoid modernism to maintain their customs and traditions which drive purpose, meaning, and fulfillment in their lives.