amish way of life
If you think of slowing down yet still being incredibly productive, the word Amish might come to mind. This list of 10 things about the Amish way of life will give you a sneak peek into how they structure their days.
Use these tips as your guide to simple living. Ones that are focused on family, centered in a good work ethic, and how to make time to slow down and enjoy life.
Where we live, there are quite a few Amish families, and over the years, I have learned a few things about how they live.
The most inspiring, even today, is their work ethic and how they approach their work differently than we do. For example, we hired an Anish company to replace our roof, and each day, when they arrived, they immediately got to work.
No chit-chat before work was needed. They had a job to do and were intent on doing it efficiently.
10 Things About the Amish Way of Life You Might Not Know
In many ways, the Amish are a lot like us. In other ways, we are worlds apart.
#1. Barefoot
The Amish love to go barefoot, and not just the children; adults are often seen without shoes on as well unless they are working on chores that require footwear. Even kids will attend school without shoes on.
Why Do the Amish Enjoy Going Barefoot?
The Amish enjoy going barefoot for several reasons.
- It gives them a connection to nature; being barefoot allows them to experience the earth beneath their feet. It is not uncommon to see families working barefoot in the vegetable gardens.
- It’s practical. Going barefoot means one less thing to wash on laundry day, namely socks.
- They enjoy it. The biggest reason may be because they enjoy it.
- They have always done it, so in a sense, why not?
#2. Lunch is the Biggest Meal of the Day
In the summer months, the Amish will have a large meal at lunch with a lighter meal to finish up the day.
Summer days are long and full of hard work, so lunchtime typically is the big break needed from morning chores and the warm sun.
A bigger lunch can give them a chance to refuel and recharge so they can continue working for the rest of the day.
Dinner tends to be simpler and lighter, often serving as a time for the family to relax and reflect on the day.
Once kids are back in school, dinner becomes the main meal for the family once again.
#3. Children Only Attend School Until 8th Grade
This might surprise many to learn that in most orders, the children only attend school until they reach the 8th grade.
The Amish strongly emphasize practical skills as well as hands-on learning. Most Amish families are self-employed, and after 8th grade, children will learn the family trade such as farming, running a store, or craftsman skills.
Girls will also learn valuable domestic skills such as baking, cooking, sewing, quilting, and gardening.
Growing Up Amish: A Memoir
What the Amish Can Teach Us About the Simple Life: Homespun Hints for Family Gatherings, Spending Less, and Sharing Your BountyThe Essential Amish Cookbook: Everyday Recipes from Farm and Pantry (Lovina Eicher’s Amish Kitchen)
#4. Church Services are Every Other Week
The Amish have a deep sense of faith, which makes it a cornerstone of the Amish lifestyle. However, they do things a bit differently than we do.
- Church services are deeply rooted in tradition.
- The Amish attend church every other week rather than weekly.
- Church services are longer, lasting three or more hours.
- A meal is always provided, but it is a simple meal of sandwiches and salads.
- Services are held at a church member’s home or barn.
- It is considered an honor to host.
You can always tell when the Amish are attending church because one of their homes will be lined with dozens and dozens of parked buggies.
#5. The Amish Take Care Of Parents
The one thing I admire the most about the Amish is how they take care of their parents. As parents age they may change roles in the home but having them near is still valuable both to the parents as well as the families.
Most Amish homes have a smaller home on the property or a separate living area that is attached to the home.
Parents help with chores, farm work, gardening, and child care.
#6. Community Matters
Another part of the Amish is their strong sense of community. If help is needed, the Amish only need to ask, and the community will be there in whatever way they can. This can be to build a new home, help pay for health care expenses, or tend to a farm while the family is away.
#7. Children choose to be Amish at the age of 16
At the age of 16, children make the choice as to wheter or not they want to remain Amish. This time is called Rumspringa and it is an important part of the Amish way of life.
The length of time a child takes to decide varies, but most communities require the decision be made by the age of 23.
#8. The Meaning of Beards
Once an Amish man is married, he may begin growing his beard. Beards symbolize the transition from boy to manhood. If you see an Amish man without a beard, chances are he is single.
#9. Keeping food cold
Since Amish homes do not have electricity, most will use a freezer at non-Amish homes that they can rent. For refrigerators, the Amish use propane-fueled refrigerators to keep things cold.
In some Amish communities, refrigerators with attached freezers are allowed, but chest freezers are not.
#10. Happiness
Looking at the Amish from the outside may give the impression that they work more than play making them unhappy with their way of life. However, the contrary is true. All of the Amish families I have met are happy and thriving.
Their strong sense of family and work ethic marry together creating a community that is loving and supportive.
As one Amish woman said in a book she wrote, “Bloom where you are planted.” I think that is a good way to live any life you are blessed with.
The Amish way of life can be intriguing to folks looking in from the outside. Use their principles in your own life and maybe find a bit of happiness in this old-fashioned way of living.
