Observable Characteristics of the Amish Ethnic Group
The Amish culture in America is a bit mysterious to those people who aren't a part of it. Many people only know about the Amish based on how they are portrayed in Hollywood movies, such as "Kingpin" and "Witness," or based on a song by parody artist "Weird Al" Yankovic. In reality, the Amish co-exist with other cultures and religions in the areas they choose to build their communities.
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Lack of Modern Conveniences
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Amish people are usually not allowed to ride in cars. Almost all of their travels are made by old-fashioned buggies driven by a single horse or a team of horses. Amish culture forbids modern conveniences. Most Amish people do not have telephones or electricity in their homes. The Amish mostly educate their children in their own schools and usually do not educate them beyond the eighth grade level. They also largely eschew safeguards such as health and life insurance.
Facial Hair
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Facial hair is a very important and easily observable characteristic of adult Amish males. Amish men do not shave their beards after they are married. A long beard is the most distinguishable mark of an adult married Amish man. The beards are symbolic, as there are many mentions of men with beards in the Bible. While Amish men grow long, full beards, they do not keep their mustaches. Mustaches have long been associated with various ranks in the military and are forbidden since the Amish have fundamental differences with military action.
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Men's Clothing
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In addition to full beards in adult males, the Amish also are easily identifiable by their clothing. Amish men and boys wear suits that are dark in color. They wear button-up shirts in solid colors. Their jackets do not have lapels, and they wear suspenders to hold up their plain trousers. Amish men usually wear black or straw hats with broad brims. The Amish wear plain black shoes with black socks.
Women's Clothing
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Amish women wear dresses of solid colors. Their dresses are typically covered with a cape and an apron. Amish women wear dresses with long sleeves, and their legs are covered down to the ankle. Amish women do not cut their hair; they wear it pulled back in a bun, and it is typically covered with a bonnet. The bonnet is white if the woman is married and black if she is single. Amish women do not wear any type of jewelry.
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References
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