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A Closer Look at the Amish Way of Life

1 - I can do better 2 - Jury's out 3 - Pretty darn good 4 - Splendiferous 5 - Awesometastic (by 1 person)   Your rating: 1 - I can do better 2 - Jury's out 3 - Pretty darn good 4 - Splendiferous 5 - Awesometastic

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Amish Way of Life - The Basics

Are you amazed by how the Amish live the way they do? It's indeed amazing how they manage to resist all the 21st century luxury people from all over the globe are enjoying. Take a closer look at the Amish way of life and be further astonished

A Simple and Austere Lifestyle 

Simple is all you need sometimes

The Amish are proponents of simplicity and austerity. They abide by a strict set of rules and standards and live mostly apart from the rest of the civilization. All these are made obvious by their choice of clothing

Amish Fashion for Women 

Well, it does make the ensemble easy to put together I guess

Their clothes are made from plain fabrics which are mostly in dark colors. These clothes are made at home. Amish women favor wearing long sleeves and full skirts with an apron and a cape. They use snaps or straight pins to fasten their clothing. They wear matching black cotton stockings and shoes. You will never see Amish women wearing patterned dresses or anything flowery. Jewelry is also prohibited. Amish rules (the Ordnung) go as far as to dictate small details, like the width of the seam or the length of skirts. Amish women also never cut their hair. They wear their long tresses in a bun or braid. Their heads are concealed in black bonnets or small white caps.

Amish Fashion for Men 

No ties, what is a beautiful thing!!

The Amish men wear coats without the usual pockets, collars or lapels. They also wear matching straight-cut suits that are just as austere in style. They don't add cuffs or creases to their trousers. Their shirts are fastened by traditional buttons. They use hooks and eyes for their vests and suit coats. They are not allowed to wear belts and rely on suspenders instead. Neckties, gloves and sweaters are also forbidden. Furthermore, Amish men are not allowed to wear mustaches and are clean shaven before marriage, after which they grow the trademark chinstrap beards.

Technology and the Amish People 

No super bowl!?!?!

While you are enjoying your high-definition television, the Amish are not allowed to watch any TV at all. As a matter of fact, Amish people don't use electricity in their homes. Imagine doing this in the 21st century. Imagine not being able to use the telephones, automobiles and computers you've so gotten used to. The Amish subscribe to this kind of lifestyle not because they can't afford the finer things in life. They reject technology because they believe it corrupts their quality of living and that it weakens the foundation of the family structure.

Acceptance of Technology to a Certain Degree 

I think this could be an advantage...Stupid Cellphone!!

The Amish people depend on horse and buggies for their transportation. They use horse-drawn machinery in their fields. They do welcome technological advances, but only when they find it practical and necessary. They do use the telephone but several households share a single unit located in a wooden shanty found between farms. And they use electricity in some cattle fences and heating homes. They also use flashing electric lights for special cases.
Could you imagine rejecting 21st century advances like the Amish do? Try and picture yourself in the position and you'll see how amazing it really is. Then again, it all seems really easy for the Amish!

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Amish-Net

About Amish-Net

I sold Amish Furniture online for several years before purchasing a retail store in dec of '06. Because of my constant interaction with the Amish I have gotten a better understanding of who they are and their outlook on life.

To say the least the Amish are a very interesting people to interact with. I have had the chance to develop some very interesting relationships with many builders in Amish country. All of them have proven to be very rewarding and have given me the chance to see the inner workings of a culture that most people just dont get or understand.

I have come to enjoy the conversations and visits with  the Amish. Thier straight forward yet humble attitude is a joy to be around. I have often found myself contemplating  such an existence and always come up with the same answer- I like technology way to much to give it up!

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