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Amish Community

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Plain and Simple, but Still Complicated

"Keep out of her, my people, that you do not share in her sins." Quoted by Jesus and taken absolutely literally by the Amish, they seem to be a "peculiar people."

This peculiar people are very plain, very simple, but not at all stupid. Within the ranks of the Amish community you will see heroism, genius, integrity, wisdom and enormous love.

They too are a complicated people. I hope you find something useful and interesting here, on my core lens about a people and an American culture that I dearly love.

Willkommen- Welcome to our Amish Community on Squidoo

July blessing of Lancaster Amish, PA

This Hex sign is a large 'welcome' in German. As love is the heart of any happy home, the heart is the center of this blessing. Tulips, the sign of the Trinity and the Three Theological Virtues of faith, hope and love, surround the heart, meaning a community of like minded friends and family being well loved by one another, in God.

The Distelfink bird adds additional fortune and blessings. This particular hex sign is centrally placed in the heart of the home. The hex sign Willkommen features a large "welcome greeting" (in German) to one and all. The large, red heart is centrally placed to proclaim a loving heart and home. Tulips, grouped in couples, symbolize the importance of family and friends play in a happy life. Here, they shower the "home" with love and support.

The distelfink bird watches over the home with an added measure of good luck and happiness. The design has the opportunity of personalization, which makes it a very thoughtful gift for others. You can order a specially made hex from a local Amish craftsman here: Zooks

Who Are the Amish?

Characteristics of the Amish

Amish: The Gentle People: Gentle, loving Christian people
BBC NEWS | Americas | Who are the Amish?: American independence manifest
Amish & Taxes: Uncle Sam & the Amish
Mennonite and Amish Folklore and Folk Arts: Folklore
"Shoot Me First!" by E. Ralph Hostetter: Courage and integrity

Yes, but are they Relevant to us?

Martha Stewart's Lawyers Think So!

Here is a picture of the dining room of Martha Stewart's lawyers, who purchase furnishings from me. They live in an Arts & Crafts Bungalow, which they dearly love, and insist upon the best and most perfect of Mission/Craftsman interior furnishings. This is not the only piece they've gotten from me.

An Amish Workshop

A Workshop, a Craftsman & a Belgian Draft Horse

Farming is becoming increasingly difficult for Amish farming communities. See Amish Farms As their costs rise and the income from food products decrease (Agricultural Economics), many are turning to the historical woodworking crafts Amish Furniture that were passed down the generations from their fathers and grandfathers.

An entire microindustry has grown from this trend, and the Amish very much need this economic outlet to support their families. To look at some of their work see the lensroll at the right, or some of the highlighted lenses on this page.

Mr. C, one of the craftsmen that I work with, uses his horse both for his organic milking farm and with the heavy work in his custom table workshop. We are sharing information about this craftsman here:Amish Workshop

In the New Home of a Famous Doctor

When Elegance is a Necessity

In the most formal of circumstance, when you must entertain politicians, stars, and movers and shakers from all over the world, only our craftsmen will do.Inquire

Amish Woodcrafting Businesses Under Seige

Illegally Logged Wooden Chinese Imports

In just a few years, China has increased its furniture imports by 900%. It has done so by illegally devastating the rain forests in nearby countries, Official Briefing rapidly and improperly processing the wood, and making cheap copies of Amish original pieces.

This has devastated the economy of Burma, destroyed vast quantities of rain forest Deforestation that helps prevent Global Warming, and unregulated & improper wood processing poisons the environment (China's Pollution Problems).

This bad furniture has flooded the market in gigantic illegal proportions, much as Chinese made clothing and shoes have flooded the European market, far in excess of the trade agreements Trade Pacts.

Yet the Chinese have banned logging in their own country, realizing that they will need their own wood for their own use.

Another case where global economics comes at America's dreadful expense.

Amish Crafts

Rare, collectible and Perfect Interpretations

See here one of the favorite Amish craft items, the Mission Jewelry Armoire. Absolutely true to the finest architectural and decorative styles, ancient craftsmanship skills simply cannot be replaced by machines.

Senators, Premier D.C. Hotels & Average, Large Families

The Amish Treat Everyone Equal

The Amish believe that you are just as special as anyone else, being made in the image and likeness of the living God. Their work is ALWAYS of the highest quality, and they treat you like they treat their most influential customers. Their prices don't change according to who is making the request. Your pieces will be of just as high quality as the ones in the Senator's home.

What to Expect When Ordering from the Amish

It is DIFFERENT!

The Amish only build to order. This means your order is NOT ready at the time. The Amish get up at 4 a.m., take care of the needs of their animals and family and then begin their 'workday' in their workshops. They stop all work at 2 p.m., attend to their animals, have a family dinner and go to bed just after sundown. They NEVER work on weekends or on their holy days. Thus you can expect your item to arrive in your home anywhere from two weeks to 3 months, depending on your order. If you need something by a specific date, please make it known when ordering to be sure it can be delivered in time.

Patience is critical when waiting on your Amish products, but it is ALWAYS worth the wait.

Hex Signs of the Amish are Blessing Signs

Turning Evil on its Head

Hexes, Hex signs are very traditional European folk art & folk devotionals from a mix of Roman Catholic prayers, words, rituals combined with folk recipes Amish Recipes and remedies from Europe.

They seek protections and cures of domestic ailments, spiritual problems and God's protection and blessing.

The designs originated in ancient Catholic religious symbols, such as the Tree of Life, and the dove of The Holy Spirit of God.

Hexes aren't painted directly on their barns, though that is one of the traditions associated with hex signs. Favored designs/blessings were used as family identifiers, found on such things as birth certificates and pottery.

Some hex signs are associated with seasons, months or directions.

Why do the Amish live so differently from us?

It is their religious convictions...

Different Amish communities make different decisions about whether and what technologies they will permit and under what circumstances.

Their first interest is keeping family and community life simple and sacred, a lesson we can all learn from. Decisions are made through the parishes of the church, and are consistent with their core religious beliefs. They follow the Ordnung (order), and a literal and strict interpretation of the bible. However, like non-Catholic Christian Churches, there is no one decision maker for all the Amish communities.

One example of an Amish community permitting electrical and technological advances is in the furniture refinishing businesses. Some time back a furniture refinisher had a fire; the entire building, and all the furniture in it was a total loss. The fumes from the finishing materials are combustible, and using open lanterns for light was simply too dangerous. The community decided that it was safer for everyone if that type of business be permitted to use electrical power and lights to prevent more, and possibly worse, catastrophes. The workshop was permitted to use generators for the electricity in the shop, but not to connect to the world's power grid.

So it isn't true that all the Amish live without adaptation and change, these necessities are all carefully considered, debated and discussed before any changes are made. Check out Amish Religion Lense

Amish Religion

First thing we think of....

The Amish live an 18th Century life, and they do it for religious reasons. The entire group mostly keeps to themselves, for religious reasons. There is a lot to know about their religion- its origins, its beliefs, and why it affects their lifestyle the way it does. I am building a lense about their religion which you can see here: Amish Faith

The Shepherd's Psalm 23

In the Valley of the Shadow of Death, I Will Fear No Evil...

The Amish, like most Christians, dearly love the 23rd Psalm. Like all of their crafts, it reflects something practical and important to their lives.

They have engraved this wonderful psalm on solid cherry, with an engraved frame. The Shepherd's Psalm

Love Thy Neighbor

Fifteen Hours!

Mr. Graber reported: "I never thought we'd be rebuilding the next day. I thought we'd be getting ready for a funeral," he said late Tuesday afternoon.

The Grabers escaped unharmed from the tornado that plowed through Webster County.

Not so their home. It was torn apart by the twister's fury.

But in less than 15 hours, the Grabers were back in a new home rebuilt on the same spot - a peaceful valley south of Missouri 38 about 10 miles east of Marshfield - by more than 100 men and boys from neighboring Amish homesteads near the Grabers.

"By 2 p.m., we were mopping the floors," he said.

Read the full story here: Fifteen Hours

Amish Food & Farming

Organics, Natural, Nutritious

Amish foods and their recipes are beloved around the world. When the rest of us eat corporate generated foods, genetically modified for packing purposes only; or hormone and antibiotic flooded meats and chicken, the Amish are strong, healthy and of sound mind. They make their wonderful foods available to us, for as long as they are permitted by government, law and industry......

Maple Leaf Hex

September

The Sugar Maple has long been tapped for sweet sap to make syrup, sugar and candy, & for much of history, was one of the easiest & best ways to add sweetness to a diet.

Maple trees are tapped in the fall, happily anticipated, and in this hex shown in the beautiful fall color of the leaves.

The eight petals mean the abundance promised the for the eighth day, the day AFTER God is finished with His rest. This hex is to bless the fall harvest and sweeten a pure life.

You can purchase these from an original Lancaster Pennsylvanian Amish craftsman here: Zooks

Amish Recipes

Great Food

Amish recipes are very popular and it hasn't taken long for the lense to get unmanageable.

My friend, who wants to be called Mrs. C, has been sharing her Amish recipes with me. We have the regular Amish recipes but some new ones too, that reflect how Mrs. C feeds her healthy Amish family. You won't find those particular recipes anywhere else but here.

Soon I'll be splitting this into several lenses, but in the meantime you can find Mrs. C's recipes here: Amish Recipes

Amish Farms

Small Farmers, Huge Problems

Like other small family farms, times have been tough. Too many expenses, too little income; too many 'scientific ideas'Genetically Modified Food Crops in farming that have turned out badly.

Organic Farming helped for a while. That too, thanks to Walmart and Corporate Farming, is changing.

The Amish are great farmers, and great stewards of the land Stewardship, yet the farm is one of the main ways the larger society has affected them. You can read about it here: Amish Farm

Amish Farmers Auction

The Amish REALLY REALLY REALLY don't want their pictures taken. Watch how they handle this problem...

Amish: by avoice | video info

9 ratings | 6,098 views

curated content from YouTube

Organic Dairy Farming

Another of the challenges the Amish community faces

Chinese 'Organic' milk: In a seriously polluted environment, China is hoping to tap into the 'organic' dairy industry.
Walmart buys Chinese 'organic' products: Walmart to provide its 'organic' products to Americans that are imported from China and other seriously polluted countries.
Wal-Mart's Organic Offensive: Not everyone is pleased by the giant retailer's push into natural foods, starting with some very anxious U.S. farmers
Chinese Children Poisoned: Chinese children poisoned by 'organic' Chinese products. Number of food poisoning victims at S. China school rises to 237¡¡ 15 Oct 2006 08:15 GMT ... poisoning at a primary school in southern Chinese city of Guangzhou has risen to 237 ... food poisoning was caused by bacteria-contaminated soya milk and red bean cakes that the sufferers ... have been contaminated with enterotoxin, a toxin produced by bacteria, which caused the vomiting and ...
Organic Certification: Time for Review | Participate.net: A demand for the USDA to regulate false claims of 'organic' in imported foods.

RFID Microchips and the Amish

the NEXT great challenge

As society adopts even more technology Digital "Angels", and with the advent of an age of terrorism, tracking technologies are being implemented. Tracking devices, the RFID chips, start first with people most frightened, next with people who can't say no (military, prisoners), and is supported by corporations Verichip Corporation who stand to gain a great deal.

They have come to the Amish farmers first. The Amish cannot accept these chips 666 The Mark of the Beast. It is RAPIDLY becoming one of the great dramas of church and state, and individual freedoms, right before our eyes. Read my lense about it here: Amish & RFID Chips and follow for updates, since this is an ongoing challenge for this community.

Amish Children

Raised in the Traditional Manner

Tree of Life- God's Creation Continues

August- Marriage and its Beloved Children

Always, in Christianity, the circle represents eternity, and in this case that leads to some interesting conclusions.

The Tree of Life was in the Garden of Eden, and its promise of a return is mentioned in several places in scripture: our ultimate nourishment remains eternally in the mind of our God, and is what will nourish us in the here and hereafter. The Tree is laden with fruit, the bounty of a generous God. Families are given many children as God's sign of blessing.

Again we find the tulips representing the three theological (God) virtues of faith, hope and love.

The rosette Victorian Rose is an ancient Christian symbol and was adopted by the Protestants during the reformation. It refreshes the mind of the love in the book Song of Solomon, representing love of spouses and the love God has for our souls.

The eight pointed star, the day AFTER God is done resting, means generous abundance. The rain sign denotes harmony with life and nature.

Do the Amish home school their children?

By now, everyone knows the answer to this question....

((This module was written before the massacre of the innocents in an Amish schoolhouse (see Amish School Shooting). Due to that tragedy, nearly everyone in the world knows how the Amish school their children. Just in case there are still questions, I've decided to leave this module.))

See our lense-in-progress Amish Children

There are one room schoolhouses, private Amish schools, that usually educate Amish children. In Indiana, many of the children are picked up by bus and sent to public schools through the 8th grade, which is the highest grade most Amish children complete, though not all.

After the eighth grade, the children stay home and help their families with the farm and home businesses Child Labor Issues until they marry.

At the age of 16, the children are considered old enough to make their own decisions, and many of them take jobs and adopt the technologies and interests of the English society around them, at least for a time. Some of these kids decide to continue their education, and so develop skills in computers and other technologies. Many of them own and drive cars, use telephones and computers, and even have televisons in their apartments or homes. It is up to the child to decide to be baptized into the Amish Church and adopt that lifestyle. An essay about the decisions facing the youngsters raised in the Amish culture can be found here: THE OLD ORDER AMISH: TO REMAIN IN THE FAITH OR TO LEAVE

Sun and Rain Hex

Spring

The circle always means the Eternity of God in Christianity.

The rain drops making up that circle means it is the perpetual cycle of rainfall that life so depends on.

In the center is a sun, the light which we need, and the Amish order their electricity free lives by, that grows the crops in the field. Both are necessary to a bountiful and fruitful harvest. You can purchase these from an original Amish craftsman here: Zooks

Amish Newspapers

Subscriptions may also be obtained to the weekly Amish "newspaper," Die Botschaft, by contacting Brookshire Printing, 200 Hazel Street, Lancaster, PA 17603 (717-392-1321).

The Diary, with subscriptions available at PO Box 98, Gordonville, PA 17529.

Pathway Publishers, RR4, LaGrange, Indiana 46761.

The Budget

Amish Community

Special Links

Direct assistance, help, and support by the Amish/Mennonite community for the Amish/Mennonite community.

Home - Mennonite Disaster Service: AKRON , Pa. - Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS) and Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) express their deep sympathy and prayers for families affected by the Oct. 2 shooting at an Amish school in Nickel Mines.
Southern Tier West Recreation: amish culture
APA Newsletters 98:2 - Social Strategies for Software: The following appeared in Volume 98, Number
2 (Spring, 1999)
Controlling Distraction in the Technological Society: Controlling Distraction in the Technological Society

So what can we do about this? How can we control
the effect of technology on our lives?
The College Dispatch : Articles: Lancaster PA
Amish Telephones: Amish Telephones
Visitors to Lancaster Countys "Amish Country" often come with misconceptions and inaccurate information gleaned from a wide range of books
about the Amish. Many people think the Amish use nothing modern.

Dutch Irish! Even the Amish are Irish on St. Patricks Day!

June

Of course a Shamrock Irish and these denote the good luck of the Irish. The trinity is represented by the tulips and the theological virtues of faith, hope and love.

One of the most popular hex symbols is Dutch Irish. It features a large, green shamrock, the traditional good luck sign of the Irish, as the design's center or heart. The Distelfink birds represent married love and happiness, in double measure. Its a very neat and popular hex.You can purchase these from an original Amish craftsman here: Zooks

Humor

by and about the Amish

The Amish have a great sense of humor. They poke fun at themselves, and enjoy when other poke fun at them. Now, with some of the younger folks in their 'away time'- Rumspringa we even see Amish guys using lights and electricity, and computers!

Check it out here: Amish Humor

8 Pointed Star Hex

Winter Blessing

Eight points of the star are a symbol of generous abundance, the promise of God's eighth day. This star is popular in Amish quilt designs. The tulips signify the Trinity, and the cardinal virtures of faith, hope and love. Sheaves of wheat are the abundance of the bread of life, a sign of nurturing, health and productive crops. A popular blessing seen on many barns and large buildings. You can purchase these from an original Amish craftsman here: Zooks

Amish in the Media

A great big list. Let's start here...

There has been more media than you might expect about the Amish. Here are a few interesting links.

CJR Daily: How Do You Photograph the Amish? Let Us Count the Ways: How Do You Photograph the Amish? Let Us Count the Ways
Amish Communities: What Do An Amish Community and a Prison Have in Common?

Wilkum

October

This is a Pennsylvania Dutch welcome sign used in homes, someplace that guests will feel welcomed in a warm and friendly way, by a door, on a porch, in a foyer. The Distelfink birds are a sign of good fortune, or even luck. The star is a symbol of luck, so the double luck sign and the double birds gives the effect of a 'double blessing.' You can purchase these from an original Amish craftsman here: Zooks

Unusual Things

Amish referred to in Science Fiction, how to convert to the Amish religion...

Amish Science Fiction: Annotated bibliography guide to mainstream science fiction and fantasy literature with Amish characters or references.
APA Newsletters 98:2 - Social Strategies for Software: Philosophy and Computers
How to Join the Amish - WikiHow: for those who want to jump right in....
Old Fashioned Letter Writing: Amish letter writing & literacy
Black River Middle School Students Named Finalists in National Competition: Kids Present Reflector Idea for Amish Roadway Safety WASHINGTON, D.C.April 23, 2002

"We care about our Amish people and don't want any more of them to die in traffic accidents"

Essays

In our own country and around the world, people find the Amish very interesting

Hindus discuss the Amish: Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Jul 23, 2006
Japanese: I Visited an Amish Community Sachiko Watanabe from Japan

Amish Superman

Alan Davis, Comic Book Man Extraordinaire!

Superman, in this unusual series, was raised by an Amish family in an Amish community, not the Kents as in the other Superman series.

We have a special affinity for an artist with a concept like that!

Alan Davis is a top notch comic book writer who's done great work for years. Click here The Nail for his bibliography, covers, unpublished drawings and further information.

Amish Health Issues

Health issues relating to the Amish Community

Maple Syrup Urine Disease: A genetic disorder that affects some in the Amish community
Choroideremia: Affected males suffer progressive loss of vision (reduction of central vision, constriction of visual fields, night blindness) beginning at an early age, and the choroid and retina undergo complete atrophy.
Musculoskeletal Disorders: Congenital Anomalies: Dwarfism: Ellis-van Creveld Syndrome: Dwarfism/Ellis-van_Creveld_Syndrome
Why don't the Amish have Autistic Children?: Autistic Amish children 
 are few and far between. Why?
TV might cause autism: Researchers might also turn new attention to study of the Amish. Autism is rare in Amish society, and the standing assumption has been that this is because most Amish refuse to vaccinate children. The Amish also do not watch television.
IU School of Dentistry | Department of Preventive & Community Dentistry | Working with the Amish Community: IU School of Dentistry
CAT.INIST.FR: Fibromyalgia in the Amish community
Lessons learned while conducting research within an Amish community Journal of Multicultural Nursing & Health - Find Articles: Lessons learned while conducting research within an Amish community from Journal of Multicultural Nursing & Health
Amish-ize? Vegetarian Times - Find Articles: Amish-ize? from Vegetarian Times in Home & Garden
PubMed: life science journals for biomedical articles back to the 1950s.
What Can The Amish Teach Us About Early-Onset Bipolar Disorder, Part II: Behavioral risk factors in an Amish community.

Government

Interactions between the Government & the Amish community

Buggy & Road Safety: Lots of Amish die terrible deaths or suffer grave disabilities when our vehicles crash into their buggies.
Pratie Place: Lorax Hall of Shame: IN DOT: Wednesday, February 23, 2005 Lorax Hall of Shame: IN DOT The second Lorax Hall of Shame award for the day goes to clones of the previous winners - the Indiana Department of Transportation!

(Too bad that's not the last time they'll win the honor.... lensmaster)

Declaration of Independence

The Amish Love America

Psalm 33:12 "Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord!"

The Amish have created this exact replica of the Declaration of Independence on solid cherry, with a mahogany frame, linen border and gold filet around it. Genuinely beautiful. Declaration of Independence

Amish News Feed

Amish Inbox News Feed

Amish Made Stuff

Send a Message to the Amish

They are wonderful and friendly people.

Sign our guestbook, send the Amish a message, make a suggestion, help us improve this lense. Do you have a question or a comment? Did we omit anything important? Tell us!

Reply

RawBill May 3, 2012 @ 9:03 pm | delete

As an Australian, the only thing that I really knew about Amish people before reading this page was from the movie "Witness" I find them intriguing and in a way I admire their simple "back to basics" lifestyle. I would love to be able to see how they live in real life someday. :-)

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Rachel Apr 23, 2012 @ 5:03 am | delete

Amish are gentle people but offer an entirely new perspective towards life! right from their recipes to their ways of living, everything is just so endearing.

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equityreleasemortgage Apr 9, 2012 @ 7:02 am | delete

I am very much inspired with Amish Community ...and the lens also helps us to support them in a true spirit

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Rachel Apr 23, 2012 @ 5:03 am | delete

Equity... You should also check out the Food lens on Amish people, also by the Greatgazoo.
Here is a link http://www.squidoo.com/amishrecipes

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ayushag Apr 8, 2012 @ 1:53 am | delete

Really informative article. Finding so many infromation together is good.

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mini100 Apr 6, 2012 @ 5:16 pm | delete

This lens has so much info that it is almost overwhelming! I need to return to read it all when I have more time... But as far as the Amish not wanting their pictures taken, that is very true. I grew up as an Old Order Mennonite who also was used to this kind of lifestyle. Recently I wrote an article about the Mennonites on Hubpages. When I tried to find pictures online to use for my hub, I had a very hard time finding any!

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Rachel Apr 23, 2012 @ 5:05 am | delete

I feel pictures are a very private affair Mini...many people think of it as an intrusion to their privacy...The Amish and many others too feel the same.

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Pastiche Apr 6, 2012 @ 9:45 am | delete

I lived in Berks county, heart of Amish culture north of Lancaster (the more "touristy" Amish region) for 13 years. I prefer their simple approach to life, and I bought most of my produce and used goods from Mennonite and Amish families in nearby Fleetwood and Oley.

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Ajeet Apr 6, 2012 @ 10:57 am | delete

That's so cool. Thanks for stopping by and sharing your experience.

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Rachel Apr 23, 2012 @ 5:06 am | delete

Hey Pastiche, Then you must have surely tried thier delicious food too I think. Do share some of your experiences of the same!

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Heather426 Mar 31, 2012 @ 12:24 pm | delete

Love the Amish, went to see them in Lancaster PA, wonderful page, Margaret!

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rauspitz Mar 17, 2012 @ 6:16 pm | delete

I'm maybe 90 minutes away from Lancaster County so I've been fortunate enough to have contact with the Amish and they are wonderful people. They are artisans who live the values of hard work and excellence every day.

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Rachel Apr 23, 2012 @ 5:07 am | delete

I agree Rauspitz...Hard work and innovation is something in the Amish community's blood I feel.

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theorganicfarmer Feb 27, 2012 @ 12:58 pm | delete

It might still be a bit rough for the Amish in comparison with all of the shiny things we have in the cities, but I still think we're the ones missing-out on "the good life"...

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SayGuddaycom Feb 15, 2012 @ 12:04 pm | delete

Very interesting. I come from a land down under so I don't know anything about the Amish at all.

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Rachel Apr 23, 2012 @ 5:08 am | delete

Then you would love to read more about the Amish Woment and their cooking styles too I think. Do check the following links:
http://www.squidoo.com/amishwomen
http://www.squidoo.com/amishrecipes

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waldenthree.net Dec 6, 2011 @ 4:50 pm | delete

I love the Amish. They are polite and friendly to strangers. I am glad they have survived in America when many other spiritual groups have died out.

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Rachel Apr 23, 2012 @ 5:09 am | delete

Yes. And they have even managed to grow their community while other's are fast nearing extinction.

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ViolinStudent Nov 8, 2011 @ 1:03 am | delete

The sign on my office door reads Wilkommen. Although I'm not Amish, given the opportunity to move back to that part of the planet, I'd do it in a heartbeat. My college days in Allentown brought me to Lancaster more than once, and I love the Amish people. Although I'm definitely English, I've never felt more honored and welcomed than when I was invited to join an Amish family for a meal.

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waldenthree.net Nov 7, 2011 @ 8:00 pm | delete

I have done a review of an article published by an associate who studied the Amish culture at length. I have known the Amish in Maryland and Pennyslvania through personal experience. Have bought fresh eggs, jam & jelly, bread from them plenty of times at the Farmer's Market here. Thank you so much for this lens. Amish are one of the few religous communities out of hundreds from 19 Century who are still here. Much to appreciate about the Amish way of life, though different from modern American. Thank you for a valuable topic at Squidoo. Hope we can go deeper with this topic in future.

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Rachel Apr 23, 2012 @ 5:17 am | delete

Their hard work and simple ways of life are truly something worth living by!

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Blessedmombygrace Jun 15, 2011 @ 7:40 am | delete

I grew up in Lancaster County. We had Amish neighbors.

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Rachel Apr 23, 2012 @ 5:13 am | delete

That's nice to know! Do tell us more about them!

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Northbright May 17, 2011 @ 9:04 pm | delete

I love this lens on Amish Community. They represent for me a way of life I would be happy to visit or live part, if not most of my time. Thank you so much.

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Rachel Apr 23, 2012 @ 5:11 am | delete

Hey Northbright also check out the other one on the Amish then http://www.squidoo.com/amishwomen

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BFuniv.com Feb 14, 2011 @ 11:19 am | delete

I love your lens. Thanks for making it!

Happy Valentines day.

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jenna31 Jan 19, 2011 @ 12:37 pm | delete

Thanks for sharing this information about Amish with us.
You may want to check this site also: free golf lessons

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Petalm Jan 10, 2011 @ 4:36 pm | delete

Hope to visit Lancaster, USA this year and see the Amish up close!

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Rachel Apr 23, 2012 @ 5:12 am | delete

Great! Do share your experiences here!

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scar4 Nov 17, 2010 @ 8:27 pm | delete

Interesting lens about Amish people, god bless them!

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Rachel Apr 23, 2012 @ 5:14 am | delete

Do check out http://www.squidoo.com/amishwomen for more info on the women of the community.

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Peter_Grove Aug 11, 2010 @ 5:15 am | delete

I have just watched a program on UK TV called "world's squarest teenagers" about some teenagers from an Amish community coming over to England to see what our teenagers get up to. I have to say that I admire their principles and they were very excepting of other peoples culture unlike some religious people who are not so forgiving.
Please feel free to check out my lens on honey or acne

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acnefocus Jul 3, 2010 @ 4:57 pm | delete

This is first time I visit your lens and I like it.

My lens at worse acne and what is the bestacne products?

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JoanneOtt Jun 6, 2010 @ 6:34 pm | delete

I visited the Amish area in Pennsyvania quite a few years ago. I just loved it. In many ways I'd love to live a much more simpler way as they do. They certainly are wonderful and friendly. Hard working too!

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WeddingZazzle Apr 14, 2010 @ 4:27 am | delete

Nicely done! Leaving Squid Angel Blessings :)

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praise Dec 11, 2009 @ 12:19 pm | delete

I love the Amish people, I bought a rocking chair, I love their furniture. Can't wait to go back and learn more. 5*
Debra

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Rachel Apr 23, 2012 @ 5:14 am | delete

Yes Debra, they are really wonderful people!

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dc64 Jan 8, 2009 @ 10:25 am | delete

It's good to see that someone is bringing the Amish to our attention, and doing it so well. When I lived in Pennsylvania, I was so intrigued by these people. It would be sad to see their way of life die out, because they are such an inspiring people. Great lens.

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egallagher2k Dec 5, 2008 @ 7:41 pm | delete

An extremely well put together lens. I work in Lancaster County, PA where everyday life mixes with the Amish life. Particularly I found interesting the fact that many of the hex signs originate from Catholic Symbols. I have just begun my own research about these symbols and am blogging about what I find on Catholic Symbols

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SamVan Aug 28, 2008 @ 11:11 am | delete

Fantastic lens on "Amish Community by Margaret Schaut"! I am working on a series of lenses about DHT Blockers/a>. Feel free to check it out.

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Jul 29, 2008 @ 11:55 pm | delete

Thank you for useful information. Great lens!
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WeddingTips Jul 29, 2008 @ 11:07 pm | delete

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Jul 14, 2008 @ 3:45 am | delete

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Jul 10, 2008 @ 11:19 pm | delete

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poddys Jun 6, 2008 @ 7:35 am | delete

Very nice lens about the Amish. I lived for 12 years in South Bend, Indiana, and used to enjoy driving through the communities of Nappannee and Shipshewana, seeing the Amish buggies and the pace of life slowed down. 5***** for a great lens.

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Rachel Apr 23, 2012 @ 5:15 am | delete

Hey Poddy'sa you might like reading about the Women of the community too then http://www.squidoo.com/amishwomen

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jeffwend May 26, 2007 @ 12:59 am | delete

Beatiful furniture there, keep up the good work.

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Waterwalker_Publishing Mar 17, 2007 @ 9:27 am | delete

Thanks for your highly informative lens.

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BFuniv.com Dec 16, 2006 @ 11:23 am | delete

Emily's comment carries a great deal of truth; "strong and respected people." Those of us outside your community have a great deal to learn from you and from your level of commitment.

May you continue to seek and discover God's best in each of your lives.

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slick Oct 12, 2006 @ 1:16 pm | delete

what a horrible crime. i never dreamed it could happen to such kind and quiet people. it shows me how far away we've become from our potential and we need to wake up to what kind of america we've created. it broke my heart that the girls, the families and the school children have to suffer so much

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Soulliere Oct 5, 2006 @ 2:13 pm | delete

Disgustedly lstening to news reports of the crime, I was moved to tears by the utter lack of animosity displayed by the Amish. To think that parents of murdered children in their time of grief would actually reach out to the family of the perpetrator is profound. We should all take a lesson.

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oniyagi Oct 5, 2006 @ 8:54 am | delete

I was actually on the phone with a friend that was about a mile away when this horrible tragedy occurred. You are in my family's thoughts and prayers during this time of grief. We pray for your strength.

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tipifire Oct 4, 2006 @ 12:40 pm | delete

I remember driving through the Amish area many times with the eighteen wheeler and thinking how peaceful and quiet the community was. It saddens from deepest part of my heart to see and read about such violence. May God bless the Amish 100 times more than the loss that was felt.

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Paul_UK Oct 3, 2006 @ 8:53 pm | delete

The thoughts of the world are with you all at this traggic time; when my father was murdered a few years ago my grandmother said "God takes the best ones first", and I hope this thought gives you as much comfort as it gave me. God Bless

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EmilyGreen Oct 3, 2006 @ 3:56 pm | delete

we are so sorry for your loss, we pray for your children that are now in heaven with their maker. You are good, honest people and it is so hard to understand why this happened. We pray that you will be healed with time and remain the strong respected people that you are.

Amen