A Slice of Amish Life

38 Comments

 

I’ve been obsessed with the Amish ever since I read my first book on them. Moving to the US meant that I could go visit anytime I wanted. On one of our many trips to Lancaster Country in Pennsylvania, realization struck- high time I shared my love for them on the blog! So off we went on a Sunday drive…

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“The Amish are islands of sanity in a whirlpool of change.”  – Nancy Sleeth

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A trip to the East Coast, must entail a visit to Lancaster Country in Pennsylvania, a place known for its Amish population dating back to the 18th century. For the uninitiated- The Amish people are known for their simple living, plain dress and their hesitance to adopt to modern conveniences. The Amish prioritize farm and family- placing both only after their love and respect for God. They live and work like their forefathers did, and are extremely devout Christians living a biblical life. There are over 25 different Amish, Mennonite and Brethren groups in Lancaster Country, all practicing similar traditions with minute differences. Some groups don’t permit television, radio or electricity- let alone the internet.

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Lunchtime drew near as we pulled in to the ‘Good and Plenty Restaurant’ in Lancaster Country. If the rumble in our tummies aroused by the aromas wafting out of their kitchen was any indication of our need for wholesome food, the meal surpassed all our expectations. Opened in 1969, this restaurant features family style dining as well as menu dining.

Shop:snapseed-1Stop and have a look at their wares. From fresh pies, to furniture, soaps and handmade goods, they have it all. A little pricey, but rest assured you are getting a great deal.

 

Growing up Amish:

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Once adolescents are ready, they get baptized and are initiated into the Amish church and faith. But before this ritual, they get a free pass or ‘Rumspringa’. It is the period when the young person is regarded as having reached maturity, and is permitted to attend the Sunday night “sings” that are the focus of courtship among the Amish. During this period they are allowed to dabble with alcohol, dressing up, make up and worldly goods- even drive!

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Some Amish youth venture out into the world better known as non-Amish North Americans. Their behavior during this period of time does not prevent them from adult baptism into the Amish church and life. However, once baptized they join the church and follow the Amish way of life.

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Driving through the towns of ‘Bird in Hand’ and ‘Intercourse’, we came across a number a people in their buggys (horse drawn carriages- which prevent them from paying a tax on vehicles), some spending Sunday playing a game of ball, while others took leisurely walks on their massive farms.

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Could you live the Amish life? I don’t think I could- even for a day! How would I blog???

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38 Comments

  1. We always enjoyed visiting Lancaster and have done so for many years. Even though the outlets took over route 30, you can still drive into the hills and farmland and escape the traffic. A fascinating culture. Like you, I don’t think I can live their life but it is interesting. Great names of towns around there also. I have a hat I bought many years ago that reads, Intercourse, PA, between Blue Ball and Paradise. I keep it next to my copy of the local newspaper, Intercourse News..:)

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      1. Lol imagine having to use a call box to ring home, lol the kids laugh at me when I tell them I used to keep change in my socks for emergency phone use, and what about going to the library to look up something, no Internet, thinking about it going to the library was always a bit of an occasion and social meet, possibly should be done more 🙂

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  4. I’ve always wanted to visit Lancaster Co, but with my health problems have not had the chance. Thank you for giving me another glimpse into this peaceful life. We have Amish communities here in Kentucky that I have been privileged to visit. There are times I wish I could go back to my younger days for just a week or so, but realistically don’t know how we ever lived without a/c. Beautiful photos.
    Angie

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    1. Thank you for your lovely message! Yes you’re right- Ac, dishwashers etc. I have no idea what I’d do without it. Well the younger days may be fun but now you can reminiscence and tell us all about it. Lots n lots of love to u

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      1. Oh, even better, now I can tell my grandchildren about some of the things their parent –my kid, did when they were their age. I always told my kids that some day they would have kids just like them. Now they believe it.

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  7. Thanks for sharing, I have always been really interested in them as well, it seems so far away from our life, I could never imagine living like them. One day I will get a chance to go and see them for real, it’s on my list.
    Vanessa

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  8. You did a nice job describing your trip among the Amish. There use to be a family that allowed people to register for spending the day, including dinner, with their family so that people could see and experience the Amish life. You might check to see if there is still something like that going on today, I think you would enjoy it.

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  9. I love this post. Next summer, I’m planning to visit an Amish family in their home for a few days for a story I’m writing. I, too, am fascinated by their lifestyle.

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  14. I have always wanted to visit the Amish. There are places in Tennessee as well. My cousin went there once. One time there were some Amish in one of our little town festivals . They were selling their food! I should have bought somen on the first go round because when I came back it was all gone. I haven’t seen them back since that one time though.

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  15. What an interesting read! I am really intrigued by these people and their peculiar lifestyle, but I feel like I’m too tied to mdern comforts to ever be able to live such a frugal life.

    #GLTlove

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  16. Interesting read on the Amish. I’ve been thinking of venturing into such a lifestyle for a year since I read a case study on traditional Patheolitic Diet. So I wouldn’t mind giving it a shot, like for a month. I know my mental and physical health would improve immensely. I’m big on food and of recent, I feel technology has ruined humankind when it comes to food, in particular. It has in just about all other aspects of life to a large extent. Maybe not 100%.

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  17. I just love everything about the amish lifestyle and we visit Lancaster almost every year and we are friends with an amish family there. Most of my art centers around them and when I paint subjects on the amish and their lifestyle, it just totally relaxes me. I should just move there! 😉 I have a blog here also at cherylmcnulty.wordpress.com and share amish photos and art. Love this post and thank you!

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