The Amish Community - Essay Example

The Amish Community The Amish community came into being in early 1500s as a result of an Anabaptist movement that originated in Switzerland. Anabaptists believe in separation from the world and conservation of traditions. A person named Jacob Amman was a very staunch believer. In 1693, he led the split from the Mennonite Brethren. (The Amish Lifestyle, not dated) In early 1700s, the Amish moved to Pennsylvania as a result of “Holy Experiment” by William Penn. To this date, they live in a very simple way. According to an estimate, currently there are 220,000 Amish residing in North America. Significant populations of Amish reside in Iowa, Pennsylvania, and northern Indiana. However, the largest settlement is in the Holmes County, Ohio. Other Amish populations also live in Ontario, Canada and other American mid-western and eastern states. The Amish region of Lancaster, Pennsylvania is famous for two reasons. The movie ‘Witness’ was filmed there. The other reason for its fame is the region’s attraction for the tourists. (The Amish Lifestyle, not dated) Most of the Amish are farmers by profession. However, many also pursue other professions like carpentry, cabinet making, or harness making. Some also chose to be blacksmiths and buggy makers. It is important to note how all of these occupations are geared toward preserving the Amish teachings and lifestyle. Because of the scarce land resources and high costs associated with the farming land, many members of the younger Amish lot are now working in the restaurants and factories closer to their homes. Some also work in the general stores from where they acquire essential commodities that they do not produce themselves. (The Amish Lifestyle, not dated) Amish way of living has close resemblance with the Englisher ancestors’ life style a century ago. Their houses and farms are different because no telephone or electricity lines are connected. Typically, the structure is comfortable too and there are a lot of rooms to accommodate the typically large Amish families. A lot of the conveniences used by Amish are the ones that were used in American houses of 19th century or even before that. The heat is acquired from coal fueled or wood stoves. Wood, propane, and kerosene are used to power the cooking stoves. Light is provided by the clear gas or kerosene lamps. (The Amish Lifestyle, not dated) The windmill used by the America’s Amish country is its distinguishing feature. These windmills are used so that water can be pumped for use on the farm and in the houses. Although there are many who now use gasoline engines for operating these pumps with pressure tanks so that provision of running water becomes easier for use in kitchen sinks and the bathrooms, old fashioned hand pumps are still widely used. Some people who are lucky and have natural gas use it for provision of hot water, provision of light at night, heating of houses, and fuelling of refrigerators. (The Amish Lifestyle, not dated) Kitchen gardens are full of colors because of flowers. Bedrooms are decorated with the quilts, whereas walls of the houses are usually covered by the calendars that have scenic pictures. According to Amish belief system, taking and posing for pictures is forbidden. They think it is a violation of a biblical teaching about graven images (Exodus 20:4). Another perception is that self-pride is promoted with the pictures. If someone tries to take their photo, they either cover their faces with their hands or their hats. They might even act evasively or simply look away. (The Amish Lifestyle, not dated) Amish enjoy strong ties within the biological families and also with their church family. Visiting other families frequently is very common. Distant relatives and friends too make sure to stay in touch via ‘The Budget’. It is easy to stain in contact with the relatives and enables them to share things about their families and the community activities. (The Amish Lifestyle, not dated) When elderly members of the family retire from the farming tasks, they shift to Doddy house, also knows as ‘Grandpa House’. Theses houses are usually located adjacent to the main farm house. These older people perform useful chores and keep working around the farm to keep their sense of independence strongly intact. (The Amish Lifestyle, not dated) Retirement income or public welfare aid is not accepted by the Amish. The Amish involved in farming or self-employed otherwise are exempted from social security taxes. However, they do pay real estate or income taxes. (The Amish Lifestyle, not dated) The question about how Amish manage to control change is very crucial. Change is a constant phenomena and happens in every society, be it Amish or any other. However, how these changes are controlled in different societies varies. In the Amish community, the change is under the control of the people. Typically, it is a group or a district and voting is done. The members of the church also play a very important role in the decision making process, not just the church leaders. For instance, if a decision is to be made about using milking machines when faming is the major source of livelihood, the change is probably going to be welcomed. If the local health officials would set new regulations, these changes are also likely to be okayed very conveniently. Milking machines are solely used for the purpose of milking cows only and are not like electricity. Electricity could have been used for reasons that are not so good. (Amish Life FAQ’s, not dated) A normal day in the life of an Amish man goes by a set routine. He would typically be up by 5 am. He would then give food to the animals and go inside the barn. Milking of the cows and processing it to the cans so the trucks can deliver for the local dairy also takes up his time. The man would then pray and do the breakfast with his family members. What he does in the fields depends on the season of the year. For instance, in late winters fields are made ready for the plantation. The plantation of crops takes place in the Spring. Harvest is done either in Fall or Summer. Typically, Amish men would work from sunup to sunset and take a break for lunch only. Cows are milked again in the evening. (Amish Life FAQ’s, not dated) An Amish adult woman also gets up as early as 5 am. She assists with the milking and also does preparation for the breakfast. Laundry days are usually fixed. If it is a laundry, which typically would be a Monday, She also starts the gasoline motor so that the wringer washing machine can do its job. One the clothes have been washed, she would also hang them to dry. She also looks after the kitchen garden and prepares for its plantation along with her husband. Vegetables are also harvested to be used in the meals. If she does have children, she would make them ready for school and pack their lunch boxes. Other day time household duties include washing dishes, cooking lunch and dinner, ironing, and baking. She may also can vegetables and fruits in order to make jellies and jams. This however, depends on the season. Moreover, she stitches the clothes worn by all the family members. (Amish Life FAQ’s, not dated) Sundays, however, are special days as the Amish families go to attend a Church in the neighboring district, if not in their own. They leave for the church as early as at 7:30 am, after milking the cows, feeding the animals, and preparing the lunch. Rest of the day is being spent visiting either the church members or family living close by. The families make their way back to their homes such that they reach home well before evening and can tend to their animals. Neighbors and family are also frequently visited, irrespective of the day. (Amish Life FAQ’s, not dated) It is remarkable how Amish have managed to keep their traditions of wholesomeness intact. The simple and natural farming techniques used by the Amish, along with other natural fertilizers such as horses as very good for the crop. The gas or diesel fumes are avoided on the fields and the harvesting is also done with hands. Amish horticulture makes it possible to attain high fiber additives. High fiber diet is very beneficial as it prevents many diseases. It controls the appetite and fosters regularity. (Amish High Fiber, not dated) It also promotes weight loss and growth of healthier intestinal bacteria. Blood cholesterol level is lowered and the removal of dangerous carcinogens and toxins expedites. It helps the digestive system and the risk for heart and bowel diseases is also lowered. Blood sugar levels can be kept more stable and the amount of insulin needed is reduced. Lipids, that it, lover cholesterol and blood serum levels are also lowered and risks of certain cancers and gall bladder diseases too are reduced. (Amish High Fiber, not dated) References The Amish Lifestyle, not dated, < http://www.amish.net/lifestyle.asp>, Accessed on September 27, 2009 Amish High Fiber, not dated, < http://www.amishfiber.com/Why%20Amish%20Fiber.htm>, Accessed on September 27, 2009 Amish Life FAQ’s, not dated, http://www.amish.net/faq.asp, Accessed on September 27, 2009 Daniel Roshard, Amish Country Gazebo, not dated, http://www.filteredlist.com/home-garden/article663.htm, Accessed on September 27, 2009 Read More