How to Live an Amish Lifestyle
The Amish culture originated in the Swiss Anabaptist movement of the early 1500s. A breakaway group moved to Pennsylvania in the 1700s and set up the first self-sufficient community. Today up to 250,000 Amish people live in separate groups in more than 20 American states. It is practically impossible to fully live the Amish lifestyle without joining an Amish community because daily life and religious faith are interdependent and interrelated. There is a reluctance to allow outsiders to join, but with study and commitment, it is possible.
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Instructions
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Read about the Amish religion and lifestyle. As well as the numerous books available on Amish culture, the Amish Country News publishes many articles about all aspects of their lifestyle. Their website provides instant access to all their articles as well as links to other recommended reading. For further reading suggestions, go to Amazon and consult the Top Ten List of Books about Amish Culture.
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Visit an Amish community. According to resident experts at the Mennonite Information Center as described on the Lancaster County website, an outsider can become part of the community but it hardly ever happens. These sources says that "outsiders would need to live among the Amish and demonstrate a genuine conversion experience and faith that results in a changed lifestyle."Amish people don't try and recruit members or preach their beliefs to the outside world. Initial contact can be made, however, through the roadside stalls typically found on the borders of Amish communities. Here they sell produce and other items, and offer a taste of their lifestyle. Go to amish.net to find out about specific communities.
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Move to an Amish area. Live alongside the Amish; live what they call a "plain" life, and demonstrate a commitment to Amish beliefs and practices. Dress simply, live by the rules of their church, and relinquish modern conveniences like telephones, electricity and cars. This isn't easily done outside the communities but it is possible to show you are willing and adopt many of the Amish lifestyle values. Be prepared to do this for as long a time as the Amish need to be convinced of your sincerity.
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Find an Amish family to host you. Don't expect any formal tuition in your quest to live an Amish lifestyle. Be more easily accepted by becoming part of a family and experience a slice of their daily life. Find the family once you have found your community and absorbed yourself in Amish life.
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Learn the language. Amish people speak a German dialect called Pennsylvania Dutch. Learn to speak it as fluently as possible, both to demonstrate your commitment to the culture and to be more easily accepted into daily life. Make regular contact with the Amish community and find someone willing to tutor you. This will be more possible the longer you've been living the Amish lifestyle.
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Tips & Warnings
Take responsibility for your own Amish education. The onus is on you to prove your commitment.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit amish travel image by Pix by Marti from Fotolia.com
