Last Updated: July 14, 2025 | By Kevin Williams, Amish Culture Expert. Kevin Williams has spent decades visiting Amish settlements from Maine to Montana and has been written about the Amish for publications like The Guardian and Aeon.
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The Amish are a unique and fascinating group of people who live a simple, traditional lifestyle that has remained largely unchanged for centuries. In this comprehensive guide, we'll take a closer look at their history, customs, and values, and explore what makes the Amish way of life so distinctive.
What you'll learn in this guide:
- The fascinating history and origins of the Amish faith
- Where America's 350,000+ Amish people live today
- How Amish communities navigate modern technology
- Daily life, customs, and traditions in Amish households
- Common misconceptions and frequently asked questions
- Whether outsiders can join Amish communities
🏛️ The Origins and History of the Amish
The Amish are a religious group that originated in Switzerland in the 16th century during the Protestant Reformation. They are a subset of the Anabaptist movement and are known for their simple living, rejection of modern technology, and strong sense of community, illustrated through church services, special occasions (like weddings), and functions like barn-raisings.
Other closely related Anabaptist groups are the Hutterites and Mennonites. The Amish take their name from their founder Jakob Ammon (interestingly, the surname Ammon has all but disappeared from the Amish, although some use it as a first name).
The Great Migration to America
The Amish migrated to North America in the 18th century, primarily settling in Pennsylvania and Ohio. According to the Young Center for Anabaptist and Pietist Studies at Elizabethtown College, today there are Amish communities in over half of the states, as well as in Canada. Amish communities have been established in far-flung places like New Mexico, Colorado, and Mississippi, far from their original Keystone roots.
The Amish population is by some estimates one of the fastest-growing groups in the United States. Holmes County, Ohio, became the first "majority Amish" county in the USA, with more than half the residents of the Amish faith.
Core Beliefs and Values
The Amish believe in a literal interpretation of the Bible and place a strong emphasis on the values of humility, family, and community. They are known for their strict adherence to their religious beliefs and for most of their history, their reluctance to interact with the outside world. But today's Amish, despite their desire to be separate, find themselves more and more a part of the world that they want to be separate from.
🌍 Where Do The Amish Live Today?
The Amish now live in 38 states and Canada, with the largest populations concentrated in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Indiana. According to the latest census data from Amish studies organizations, the current Amish population exceeds 350,000 people across North America.
Global Amish Presence: A Closer Look
Are there Amish in Europe? For almost a century, there were no Amish in Europe. The last Amish congregation, based in Switzerland, folded into a Mennonite church in the 1930s. Today, there is no Old Order Amish presence in Europe. The continent's penchant for wars and the historical struggles of the Amish there make it a not very palatable place. However, there was an Amish-Mennonite settlement established in Waterford, Ireland in the 2000s.
Other Continents:
- Australia: There is no Amish presence in Australia
- Asia: There is no Amish presence in Asia
- Africa: There is no Amish presence in Africa
- South America: Central and South America have been periodically sampled by the Amish and the Mennonites, have thriving communities on the continent. An Old Order Amish community existed in Honduras in the 1960s and 70s, but ideology and isolation tore the settlement apart. There is an Amish presence in Belize. More recently, a Mennonite community in Bolivia and one in Argentina converted to Amish, so there is now an Amish presence in South America. A fascinating book written by an Amish man, entitled Sunshine and Shadow, details the Amish experience in Honduras.
Population Growth and Demographics
The Amish population doubles approximately every 20 years, primarily due to high birth rates and strong retention rates. According to recent studies:
- Average Amish family has 6-7 children
- Retention rate is approximately 85-90%
- Population growth rate is roughly 3.5% annually
- Largest settlement: Holmes County, Ohio (over 40,000 Amish)
🚗 Amish People and Technology Today
One of the most visible symbols of Amish separateness is their reliance on horse-drawn buggies for transportation. However, the relationship between the Amish and technology is far more nuanced than most outsiders realize.
Understanding the Ordnung
Outsiders are often surprised to see an Amish person using a phone or washing their clothes at a commercial laundry mat. Non-Amish will cluck that "gee, the Amish aren't supposed to do that." Well, only the Amish person knows what they are supposed to do or not do to stay in their church's good graces, because the rules – known as the ordnung – vary from church to church.
You may have one Amish church that allows indoor plumbing, and two miles away, another church doesn't permit plumbing. So the relationship between technology and Amish is very complex, it's not as simple as "they are allowed this or that." Members of the church are expected to know their specific community's guidelines.
Technology Evaluation Process
The Amish believe that technology should be evaluated based on its potential impact on their community and their values, rather than its intrinsic value or novelty. They prioritize face-to-face interactions and personal relationships over modern conveniences that could potentially isolate or distract them from their community.
The Amish embrace generators and solar power because it allows them to use electricity selectively. They aren't hooked up to the larger grid, and if an Amish church feels an electric refrigerator will not undermine their overall way of life, then it will be allowed. Few Amish churches permit or endorse grid electricity, fearing it would lead to widespread use of electricity throughout the home, undermining the cohesive family unit with electronic devices.
Home vs. Work Technology Distinctions
The Amish often draw distinctions about what is acceptable for use at home vs. work. For instance, many Amish businesses do have electricity and use devices that keep them competitive, but they don't use them at home. This practical approach allows Amish entrepreneurs to remain economically viable while maintaining their domestic values.
Examples of technology the Amish may choose to avoid:
- Cars (opting for horse-drawn buggies instead; most Amish have no restrictions against riding in cars, drawing a clear distinction between owning and using)
- Landline telephones in their homes
- Grid electricity (some communities use generators instead)
- Indoor plumbing (varies by community)
- Computers and internet access at home
🏠 Daily Life in Amish Communities
Family Structure and Household Dynamics
Amish families typically follow traditional gender roles, with fathers serving as heads of household and primary breadwinners, while mothers focus on child-rearing and domestic responsibilities. However, both parents share in the enormous task of raising large families and maintaining self-sufficient households.
Typical Daily Schedule:
- 5:00 AM: Morning chores begin (milking, feeding animals)
- 6:30 AM: Family breakfast and prayer
- 7:00 AM: Children begin school, adults start work
- 12:00 PM: Midday meal and rest
- 1:00 PM: Afternoon work continues
- 5:00 PM: Evening chores
- 6:00 PM: Family dinner and evening prayer
- 8:00 PM: Family time, early bedtime
Education and Youth Development
Amish children, supported by a decisive Supreme Court ruling, only attend public schools through the eighth grade. This educational approach reflects their belief that formal education beyond eighth grade is unnecessary for their agricultural lifestyle and may expose children to values conflicting with Amish beliefs.
Amish Education Characteristics:
- One-room schoolhouses with 20-30 students
- Amish teachers (usually young unmarried women)
- Focus on basic reading, writing, arithmetic
- Pennsylvania Dutch and English instruction
- Emphasis on practical skills and moral education
Rumspringa: The Misunderstood Tradition
Youth: Amish teenagers are known for going through a period known as Rumspringa. Not every Amish teen goes through this, it is not a formal rite of passage, more just a word that describes typical teenage behavior. Some Amish youth may decide to "sow some oats" and explore outside the community, but this is the exception rather than the rule.
Rumspringa has been adopted by Hollywood in shows like TLC's Return to Amish as pure fact, but Hollywood has not always depicted Rumspringa accurately. In reality, most Amish youth remain close to their communities and families during this period, gradually taking on more adult responsibilities while deciding whether to commit to baptism and lifelong church membership.
Care for the Elderly
Elderly Amish: Most Amish don't want to put family members in nursing homes due to expense and in the interest of keeping the from-birth-to-death bond most have with one another. If an elderly Amish relative becomes too infirm to live on their own, the vast majority are taken in by one of their children or grandchildren.
If the elderly Amish still has pretty good mobility and wants to keep some independence, they'll live in what is called a dawdy haus, a small cottage that is on a family member's property. This arrangement allows for both independence and immediate family support when needed.
⛪ Amish Sects and Religious Variations
The Amish have divided and cleaved from one monolithic, homogeneous faith and culture into scores of smaller sects, often dividing over seemingly minor ideological issues like whether to allow rubber tires on buggy wheels or whether to adopt solar power or some scriptural interpretation.
The Amish Spectrum
It is helpful to think of the Amish on a spectrum, with the most conservative (no electricity usage of any kind, no plumbing) on one end and the most progressive on the other (Electric Amish, have indoor grid electricity, but they still speak Pennsylvania Dutch, a German dialect, like most Amish and travel by buggy).
Then there are still more progressive groups that borrow from Amish and Mennonite traditions, the Beachy Amish being the best known. The Beachy Amish use cars and are usually hooked up to the electrical grid.
Related Anabaptist Groups
The Amish are closely aligned theologically with the Mennonites and the Hutterites. All of these religions spring from the Anabaptist movement. There are key differences between the Amish, Mennonites, and Hutterite groups, but also similarities, so much so that sometimes distinguishing between the most conservative Mennonites (who use horse-drawn buggies) and Amish can be challenging.
Church Organization
The Amish church is extremely decentralized. There is no "Amish Pope" that provides spiritual guidance to all the Plain people. Each congregation, typically consisting of about 50 families, operates independently with its own bishop, ministers, and deacon. This decentralized structure explains much of the variation in practices between different Amish communities.
🤝 Can Outsiders Join the Amish?
Our world can be a rat race of never-ending bills, deadlines, and geopolitical upheaval. For some, the allure of the Amish beckons: a simpler life built around faith and community. What is there not to like? But can outsiders join the Amish?
The Reality of Joining
Short answer: yes. It's uncommon, but most Amish churches wouldn't turn away a genuinely interested person. However, the process is challenging and requires tremendous commitment. According to researchers at the Young Center for Anabaptist Studies, fewer than 100 non-Amish adults successfully join Amish communities each year across all North American settlements.
The Conversion Process
There's a lot of sacrifice in joining, but it happens. Most Amish settlements give a convert a full year to rid themselves of amenities like electricity and a car. During this probationary period, potential converts must:
- Dispose of modern possessions: Cars, electronics, contemporary clothing
- Learn Pennsylvania Dutch: Essential for community integration
- Adopt plain dress: Men grow beards (after marriage), women wear bonnets and aprons
- Integrate socially: Build relationships within the tight-knit community
- Demonstrate commitment: Regular church attendance and community participation
- Learn practical skills: Farming, traditional crafts, domestic skills
At the end of this trial period, they could become a full church member and part of the congregation.
Characteristics of Successful Converts
Most successful converts share certain characteristics:
- Strong religious faith: Deep commitment to Christian beliefs and simple living
- Practical skills: Background in agriculture, manual labor, or traditional crafts
- Social adaptability: Ability to thrive in close-knit, traditional communities
- Genuine motivation: Seeking spiritual fulfillment rather than escaping problems
- Family support: Ideally converting as a family unit rather than individually
Challenges for Converts
Each Amish congregation has about 50 families, meaning everyone knows everyone else's business. Men joining the Amish would be expected to grow a full beard and women would need to dress plainly, including capes, aprons, and bonnets. Amish clothing is distinctive for having few patterns and often shirts and dresses have no buttons.
The social adjustment can be particularly difficult. New members must adapt to:
- Gender roles: Traditional divisions of labor and authority
- Community scrutiny: Living under constant observation in small communities
- Economic changes: Often significant income reduction
- Family separation: Potential estrangement from non-Amish relatives
- Cultural barriers: Learning new language, customs, and social norms
And the Bible is the central basis of their theology. While Amish views vary from church to church, practicing pacifism (non-violence) is central to Amish philosophy.
❓ Comprehensive FAQ About Amish Life
Photography and the Amish
Do the Amish allow photographs?
The relationship between the Amish and photography is complex and evolving. Fifty years ago, the answer was a resounding "no." But as technology has changed and Amish ideology has evolved, the answer about whether the Amish allow photographs is no longer clear cut.
Some Amish do not object to photography, particularly if their faces aren't shown or if the photos serve educational purposes. Many Amish distinguish between posed portraits (which they typically avoid due to concerns about vanity) and candid photos of their daily activities.
The resistance to photography stems from their interpretation of the Second Commandment's prohibition against graven images, as well as concerns about pride and worldliness. However, younger generations and more progressive communities may be more accepting of photography, especially for documentation of their crafts and lifestyle.
Shunning Practices
Do the Amish still practice shunning?
Like so many practices among the Amish, shunning varies significantly between communities. And like many other aspects of Amish culture and religion, this practice is changing. Thirty years ago and more, shunning was widespread in the Amish church. Today, not as much, although some churches still do practice it.
Shunning, or "Meidung," is the practice of socially isolating community members who have violated church rules or left the faith after baptism. The severity ranges from temporary social avoidance to complete excommunication. More conservative groups may practice strict shunning, while progressive communities often maintain family relationships despite religious differences.
The purpose of shunning is meant to encourage repentance and return to the community, not permanent punishment. Many formerly shunned individuals who demonstrate genuine repentance are welcomed back into their communities.
Sexuality and Relationships
What are Amish attitudes toward premarital relationships?
No religion has been able to eliminate promiscuity entirely, but the official Amish church position is that premarital sex is taboo. However, Amish courtship practices include some unique traditions that outsiders often misunderstand.
Some conservative Amish groups practice "bundling," which is the act of lying together in the same bed while dating (courting), but abstaining from sex. Some churches will even encourage placing a board between the two courters. This practice allows young couples to spend intimate time together while maintaining physical boundaries.
Amish courtship is generally:
- Chaperoned: Young people meet at community gatherings
- Family-involved: Parents have significant input in relationship choices
- Marriage-focused: Dating is viewed as preparation for lifelong commitment
- Community-supervised: Relationships develop under community observation
Alcohol and Substance Use
Can the Amish drink alcohol?
Alcohol is generally NOT taboo among the Amish, a nod to their German heritage. But overdrinking is not encouraged. Drinking practices vary significantly among different Amish communities.
Many Amish families maintain traditional German brewing and wine-making practices. Beer and wine are often served at weddings and other celebrations. However, public drunkenness or alcohol abuse would be strongly discouraged and could result in church discipline.
The key principle is moderation and responsible use that doesn't interfere with family responsibilities or community participation.
Financial Obligations
Do the Amish pay taxes?
The Amish pay income tax in the USA like everyone else, unless they are tax cheats, which would be a rarity among the Amish. They also pay into social security, unless they are self-employed, then they would be exempt from Social Security payments (but also wouldn't receive benefits).
Amish tax obligations include:
- Federal and state income taxes
- Property taxes
- Sales taxes
- Business taxes (for Amish entrepreneurs)
Exemptions they may qualify for:
- Social Security (self-employed Amish can opt out)
- Unemployment insurance
- Worker's compensation (in some cases)
Holiday Celebrations
How do the Amish celebrate holidays?
Most Amish do not embrace secular figures like Santa when celebrating Christmas, or the Easter Bunny around Easter.
Amish holiday celebrations typically:
- Focus on religious significance rather than commercial aspects
- Emphasize family gatherings and traditional foods
- Include extended community celebrations
- Avoid secular symbols and gift-giving excess
- Center around church services and spiritual reflection
Christmas may include gift exchanges, but presents are typically practical items like clothing or tools rather than toys or electronics.
Education and Career Development
Do the Amish pursue higher education?
Most Amish stop school at the eighth grade, as supported by the 1972 Supreme Court decision in Wisconsin v. Yoder. A handful of Amish churches do allow members to pursue higher education, but this remains exceptional.
The reasoning behind this educational limitation includes:
- Practical focus: Belief that eighth-grade education provides sufficient academic foundation
- Value preservation: Concern that extended education might undermine Amish values
- Community preparation: Focus on preparing youth for roles within Amish society
- Religious concerns: Worry about exposure to conflicting worldviews
However, some progressive Amish communities are beginning to recognize needs for specialized training in areas like:
- Healthcare (Amish nurses and medical assistants)
- Business management
- Legal issues affecting the community
- Technology needed for modern agriculture
Political Participation
Do the Amish vote or participate in politics?
The Amish generally do not get involved in the political process at the national level. If an Amish person does vote, it'll most likely be in a hyperlocal election like a zoning issue or a school board race that directly affects their community.
This political non-participation stems from:
- Separation principles: Desire to remain separate from worldly affairs
- Pacifist beliefs: Reluctance to support government use of force
- Religious focus: Preference for spiritual over political solutions
- Community autonomy: Belief in handling issues within their own communities
However, when government policies directly threaten their way of life (such as education requirements or religious freedom issues), some Amish communities may become more politically engaged.
Diversity Within Amish Communities
Are there Black or minority Amish?
Adoption, often from overseas, is something that some Amish, especially New Order and less conservative Old Order communities, will practice. Adoptions from Romania, Ukraine, Haiti, and some African countries have been carried out through international aid agencies. This results in some children of color being raised Amish and often remaining Amish as adults.
So while the number may only be dozens or perhaps 100 or so, there are some Amish of color. There are a larger number of Black Mennonites, due to both adoption and conversion.
The Amish community's approach to diversity includes:
- Adoption practices: Welcoming children from various backgrounds
- Conversion acceptance: Open to sincere converts regardless of race
- Cultural integration: Adopted and converted members fully participate in community life
- Racial equality: Strong emphasis on spiritual rather than racial identity
🎯 Why Do the Amish Fascinate Us?
The Amish have captivated the world with their plain clothing, simplicity and close-knit communities. They have spawned a tourist industry, a genre of books (bonnet rippers!), and reality TV. But who are the Amish, really? Let's pull back the kapp and take a look.
Historical Context of Amish Fascination
It wasn't until the 1920s and 30s as the automobile completely displaced horse-drawn buggies in the United States that the Amish truly began to stand out as a cultural curiosity. Because up until the 20th century, everyone dressed fairly plainly and drove horse-drawn carriages. The Amish did distinguish themselves in less obvious ways, like their custom of holding worship services at home and adult baptism.
The Tourism Phenomenon
The Lancaster, Pennsylvania newspaper describes the first emergence of the Amish as a tourist draw:
"It wasn't until the 1950s that Amish country became a noted tourist attraction, when the Amish Farm and House became the county's first ticketed Amish tourist attraction, said Nolt.
Newspapers of the era published travelogues of Lancaster County with comments about the 'quaintly named little towns like Bird in Hand, Bareville, Intercourse and Paradise.'"
Ever since, the Amish have been captivating imaginations and drawing curiosity-seekers to experience the tranquility and good food found in Amish country.
Modern Appeal
In our digital age, the Amish lifestyle represents:
- Simplicity: An antidote to modern complexity and overwhelm
- Community: Strong social bonds in an increasingly isolated world
- Authenticity: Genuine living in an age of social media facades
- Sustainability: Environmental consciousness before it was trendy
- Craft tradition: Handmade quality in a mass-produced world
- Spiritual focus: Prioritizing faith and values over material success
📚 Resources for Further Learning
Academic Sources
- Young Center for Anabaptist and Pietist Studies, Elizabethtown College
- "The Amish" by Donald Kraybill, Karen Johnson-Weiner, and Steven Nolt
- Amish Studies at The Ohio State University
Amish365.com Related Articles
- Amish Wedding Customs and Traditions
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- The Amish and Guns
Museums and Cultural Centers
- Amish & Mennonite Heritage Center (Ohio)
- The Amish Farm and House (Pennsylvania)
- Mennonite Heritage Center (Pennsylvania)
This comprehensive guide represents decades of research and community interaction. The Amish way of life continues to evolve while maintaining its core values of simplicity, community, and faith. For the most current information about specific Amish communities, consider visiting respectfully and supporting their businesses and crafts.
Sources: Young Center for Anabaptist and Pietist Studies, Elizabethtown College; Ohio Amish Library; Various academic publications on Anabaptist studies; Lancaster County tourism data; Census and demographic studies of Plain communities.
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