How to Identify an Amish
The Amish are members of a 300-year old Anabaptist denomination of Christianity that places great emphasis on values of worldly simplicity and modesty. Their strict beliefs and adherence to the community-based rules of their religion make the Amish stand out among other members of society.
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Instructions
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Look for a horse and buggy. Most Amish ride a horse and buggy instead of a car.
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Listen to the language. Nearly all Amish learn a German dialect called Pennsylvania Dutch as their first language. The language sounds like a mixture between English and German.
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Notice their dress. The Amish dress code forbids objects like buttons, pins, many colors and any kind of decorative item. Amish dress is simple and modest. Notice whether the children are barefoot. Many Amish kids go barefoot when the weather is warm.
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Check out facial hair. The Amish follow the biblical injunction for men not to cut their facial hair. Because of this, many Amish men keep cleanly trimmed beards. Many Amish men grow beards on their chins, jawlines and necks but shave their mustaches, creating a distinctive look.
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Tips & Warnings
Your chances of seeing an Amish person are greatest in parts of the United States with strong Amish communities, including parts of Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana and Illinois.
Amish people often use the traditional formal second person-"thee," "thou" and "thy"-when speaking English.
The Amish and the Mennonites, who had similar Anabaptist roots, are sometimes confused with each other. Learn to tell them apart by reading the related eHow article, "How to Distinguish an Amish from a Mennonite."
