Amish clothing is a reflection of their values of simplicity, modesty, and unity within the community. They avoid wearing printed or patterned fabrics, choosing solid, muted colors like black, blue, and gray. Even subtle patterns or decorative stitching are considered too attention-grabbing and could lead to expressions of individuality, which the Amish believe could disrupt community harmony. The uniformity in their clothing serves as a constant reminder of their commitment to modesty and separation from the world.

The Amish avoid makeup, artificial nails, or any other form of cosmetic enhancement because these are seen as promoting vanity and individual beauty, which contradicts their values. Amish women embrace natural beauty and simplicity, seeing outward adornments as distractions from inner character and spiritual focus. They believe that altering one’s appearance for the sake of personal pride conflicts with their religious teachings on humility. This extends to refraining from trendy or excessive grooming practices that would draw attention.

The Amish typically keep animals for practical purposes, such as farm work or providing food, but they do not view animals as pets in the modern sense. The idea of keeping animals solely for companionship is seen as unnecessary and even indulgent. Amish families focus on the utility of animals, such as horses for transportation and livestock for farming, rather than forming emotional bonds with them as pets. This reflects their broader approach to practicality and avoidance of modern sentimental attachments that could distract from their religious focus.

Sunglasses are generally avoided by the Amish as they are seen as unnecessary and a potential source of vanity. The Amish believe in maintaining simplicity in all aspects of life, including their appearance, and sunglasses can be viewed as drawing attention to oneself. While practical use, like shading from the sun, might be understandable, the emphasis on modesty and avoiding anything that separates them from their community norms leads most Amish to forgo sunglasses. They prefer to rely on hats or other modest forms of protection from the sun if needed.

The Amish typically rely on natural family planning methods and avoid modern forms of birth control, believing that family size is a matter of God’s will. Children are considered blessings from God, and large families are both common and culturally valued in Amish communities. The use of contraceptives is generally seen as interfering with God’s plan, and many Amish couples embrace the idea of accepting whatever family size God provides. This belief reflects the Amish commitment to traditional values and their resistance to modern medical interventions.

Amish weddings and funerals are intimate events held within their own community, reflecting their values of close-knit fellowship and religious customs. The Amish generally do not attend these ceremonies outside of their community, even for friends or extended family who may have left the Amish way of life. Attending non-Amish weddings or funerals could expose them to worldly influences that contradict their beliefs and way of life. This separation helps maintain their cultural and spiritual boundaries, keeping them focused on their faith and traditions.

The Amish limit their reading to the Bible, religious texts, and practical guides that align with their faith and daily needs. Reading fictional books, especially modern ones, is discouraged because they may introduce themes or ideas that conflict with their values. Fiction is seen as a potential source of distraction or moral conflict, diverting attention from more purposeful activities. Many Amish believe that fictional stories can promote individualism or worldly behaviors, which do not fit with their focus on community and religious teachings.

Photographs are largely avoided in Amish communities because they are viewed as a form of vanity and self-promotion. The Amish place a strong emphasis on humility, and the idea of capturing and preserving one’s image conflicts with their beliefs in modesty and simplicity. They believe that photographs can encourage pride in personal appearance, which detracts from their spiritual focus. Instead, the Amish are more concerned with their inner character and relationship with God rather than outward appearances captured through photography.

Amish children typically attend school only through the eighth grade, after which they transition into gender-segregated roles within the community. Beyond this point, boys and girls are educated separately, focusing on the practical skills needed for their respective roles in Amish life. Boys may learn farming, carpentry, or other trades, while girls are often taught domestic skills such as cooking, sewing, and child-rearing. This separation reinforces the traditional gender roles within the Amish community and helps maintain their values of modesty and practicality in education.

In the Amish community, formal education typically concludes at the eighth grade. The Amish believe that practical skills, such as farming, woodworking, and homemaking, are more important than academic learning beyond basic reading, writing, and arithmetic. Higher education, like attending college, is considered unnecessary and even harmful, as it could expose young people to worldly ideas and temptations that conflict with their faith. Instead of college, young Amish men and women focus on learning the skills they will need to contribute to their families and communities.

Amish women traditionally wear their hair long because cutting it short is viewed as worldly and immodest. Long hair is a symbol of their religious devotion and humility, following the biblical instruction that a woman’s hair is her glory. Amish women typically wear their hair in a bun, often covered by a bonnet or prayer cap, which signifies their commitment to modesty. Short hairstyles, often associated with modern fashion, are considered inappropriate within Amish values, which emphasize simplicity and traditional gender roles.

The Ordnung, or set of community rules, prohibits women from shaving. Additionally, the Amish interpretation of the New Testament views cutting hair as shameful (based on 1 Corinthians 11:5-15), so women refrain from cutting or shaving any hair on their bodies.

Amish homes are characterized by their simplicity and functionality. Ornate or decorative furnishings, such as elaborate curtains, framed art, or fancy furniture, are generally avoided because they are seen as distractions from the practical purpose of the home. The Amish believe that homes should serve as places of work, family life, and religious practice, rather than as spaces to showcase wealth or style. Simple, sturdy furniture made by hand is common, and any decorations that do exist are minimal and functional, like a calendar or a clock.

The Amish generally do not own personal phones, especially smartphones, as they can introduce unwanted influences from the outside world. Some Amish communities allow for the use of shared community telephones, often located in a public area for business or emergency purposes, but personal ownership of a phone is seen as a form of individualism and convenience that could weaken community bonds. Smartphones, in particular, are forbidden because they offer access to the internet and social media, which could erode the values of humility, modesty, and separation from the modern world.

Watching movies or attending theaters is forbidden in Amish communities because these activities are considered forms of worldly entertainment. Movies often portray values and behaviors that conflict with Amish beliefs, such as violence, sexual content, and materialism. Going to a movie theater would also expose Amish individuals to the larger world in a way that is seen as unnecessary and potentially corrupting. Instead of engaging in such entertainment, the Amish focus on community-oriented activities, like singing hymns, reading religious texts, or participating in quilting bees.

The Amish are committed pacifists, firmly rooted in their belief in non-resistance, a doctrine drawn from the teachings of Jesus. As a result, they do not serve in the military or participate in any form of combat or war-related activities. Their faith leads them to reject violence in all forms, whether as individuals or as part of a larger military force. Instead, they focus on living peaceful, simple lives within their communities, resolving conflicts through dialogue and forgiveness, rather than through force or aggression.

The Amish abstain from political participation, including voting, running for office, or engaging in political discourse. They believe that their role in society is to remain separate from the governance systems of the outside world. Trusting in God and their community for guidance, the Amish focus on internal decision-making through church leadership rather than relying on external political structures. By avoiding politics, they aim to maintain their distinct identity and avoid the divisions and conflicts often associated with political engagement.

Competitive sports, such as soccer, basketball, and baseball, are discouraged in Amish communities because they promote individualism, rivalry, and pride, which are values that conflict with their emphasis on humility and community. While the Amish may enjoy simple, non-competitive games for recreation, organized team sports with the goal of winning are seen as promoting selfish behavior. The focus within the community is on cooperative, productive activities that build relationships, rather than fostering a competitive mindset.

Attending or watching professional sports is not part of the Amish lifestyle, as it is considered a distraction from more important responsibilities, both spiritual and communal. Professional sports often emphasize materialism, fame, and competition, which are values the Amish reject. Instead, the community prioritizes activities that foster togetherness and modesty, such as quilting, barn-raising, or church gatherings. Their leisure time is filled with meaningful, simple tasks that keep them connected to their faith and each other.

The Amish maintain a strict dress code that prohibits bright, flashy colors and bold patterns. Clothing is typically simple, plain, and in muted colors like black, blue, and gray, which reflects their values of modesty, uniformity, and humility. Bright or patterned clothing is seen as drawing unnecessary attention to the individual, something the Amish seek to avoid in their pursuit of a humble, community-focused lifestyle. Their plain dress serves as a visual reminder of their separation from the modern, fashion-conscious world.

Amish women are expected to wear long dresses or skirts as part of their commitment to modesty and traditional gender roles. Pants or shorts, which are considered modern and immodest, are not permitted. This practice emphasizes the clear distinction between men’s and women’s clothing, reinforcing the community’s gender expectations. The long dresses are often handmade within the community and serve as a symbol of their humility and resistance to modern fashion trends that emphasize individualism or vanity.

Dancing, particularly in public settings or with members of the opposite sex, is discouraged and largely forbidden in Amish communities. It is considered a worldly activity that can lead to behaviors and emotions contrary to their values, such as pride, sensuality, or individualism. Dancing is seen as an unnecessary indulgence that could distract from their spiritual focus and community cohesion. Instead of participating in such activities, the Amish emphasize fellowship through more modest and cooperative forms of socializing, such as community gatherings or hymns.

The Amish avoid listening to modern, secular music because its themes and messages often conflict with their values. Popular music, with its focus on materialism, love, or self-expression, is seen as a distraction from spiritual life and could potentially introduce unwanted worldly influences. Instead, Amish communities focus on singing religious hymns, often in German or Pennsylvania Dutch, during worship or community events. Music, for the Amish, is meant to uplift and reinforce faith rather than serve as entertainment.

The idea of taking vacations to popular tourist destinations is foreign to the Amish way of life. The Amish believe that leisure time should be spent in meaningful ways, such as visiting family members, attending religious gatherings, or engaging in community projects. Going to places like theme parks or beach resorts is considered frivolous and inconsistent with their values of simplicity and modesty. When the Amish do travel, it is often for practical purposes or to strengthen ties within their community.

Amish women wear simple, practical footwear, such as flat shoes or boots, that is functional for everyday tasks, whether it’s working in the garden or taking care of household chores. High heels or other fashionable shoes are seen as unnecessary and, more importantly, immodest. The Amish place great emphasis on avoiding anything that could draw attention to oneself, and fashionable footwear is seen as an expression of vanity. Instead, the focus is on comfort and practicality in keeping with their humble lifestyle.

The Amish do not engage in social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. They view social media as a significant distraction from their communal and family-centered way of life, where face-to-face interaction and personal relationships are prioritized. Social media could also expose them to external influences, promoting values of individualism, materialism, or vanity that conflict with Amish teachings. Additionally, the anonymity and disconnect from real-life interactions on social media are seen as contrary to the close-knit, transparent nature of Amish community life.

Rather than using commercial insurance policies such as health, life, or car insurance, Amish communities rely on a system of mutual aid to support members in times of need. When someone faces a health issue or property loss, the community comes together to help financially and practically. This approach is consistent with their values of self-reliance, simplicity, and dependence on their community rather than outside institutions. Using insurance is seen as placing trust in a worldly system, whereas mutual aid reinforces their sense of community and collective responsibility.

The Amish do celebrate religious holidays like Christmas and Easter, but their celebrations are simple and focused on their spiritual significance. They avoid the commercialized aspects of these holidays, such as Christmas trees, Santa Claus, or Easter egg hunts, which are seen as distractions from the true meaning of the celebrations. Instead, Amish families use these holidays to reflect on their faith, gather for quiet family meals, and attend church services. Their avoidance of commercialized holiday traditions reinforces their commitment to separating themselves from worldly influences.

Amish women refrain from using modern beauty products like hair dye, perfume, or cosmetics, as these are considered forms of vanity. The Amish believe in presenting oneself naturally, without enhancements that draw attention to physical appearance. Hair dye and other beauty treatments are seen as unnecessary and incompatible with their values of humility and simplicity. By avoiding such products, Amish women focus more on inner character and their role within the community, rather than conforming to modern beauty standards.

Nightclubs and bars, where social drinking and dancing are common, are strictly avoided in Amish communities. These environments are seen as promoting behaviors and values that conflict with their faith, such as excessive drinking, immodesty, and frivolous entertainment. Amish people believe that leisure time should be spent in meaningful, community-focused activities rather than in places that encourage indulgence and distraction from their spiritual life. Alcohol consumption is also minimal, and drinking in social settings outside the community is discouraged to maintain moral discipline.

Most Amish communities abstain from using electricity in their homes, as they believe it could introduce unwanted influences and disrupt the simplicity they strive to maintain. The avoidance of electricity helps keep the community focused on manual labor, family interaction, and faith, rather than being distracted by modern conveniences like appliances or electronic entertainment. By not relying on electricity, the Amish reinforce their separation from the outside world, preserving their traditions and fostering interdependence within the community. In some cases, limited forms of power may be used for specific purposes, but these are carefully regulated by church rules.

The Amish primarily travel by horse and buggy or on foot, as a way to maintain their simple way of life and reduce their dependence on modern technology. Driving cars is seen as too convenient and individualistic, offering too much mobility that could lead to more frequent contact with the outside world. For most Amish women, the freedom to drive anywhere is not an option, as they prioritize a slower, more intentional pace of life. The use of horse-drawn buggies fosters close community ties, as it limits the distance individuals can travel and keeps them within the bounds of their local area.

Amish women are required to wear plain, modest clothing that is usually handmade within the community. Their attire typically consists of a long dress, apron, and bonnet, designed to cover most of the body in adherence to their values of modesty and humility. Flashy or fashionable clothing is rejected, as it is seen as promoting vanity and drawing attention to the individual, which goes against their religious principles. By wearing simple clothing, Amish women visually represent their faith and separation from the modern world, reaffirming their commitment to living in accordance with their beliefs.

In line with their belief in humility and simplicity, Amish women do not wear jewelry, including wedding rings. Jewelry is viewed as an unnecessary adornment that could foster vanity or materialism, both of which are discouraged in Amish teachings. Instead of expressing themselves through decorative accessories, Amish women focus on the inner qualities of faith, character, and community service. By avoiding jewelry, they underscore their commitment to leading modest, simple lives that are not influenced by external appearances.

The Amish avoid modern entertainment technologies like television, the internet, or video games, as they are seen as distractions that could lead to moral decline and weaken community bonds. Instead, Amish women and families spend their leisure time engaging in meaningful activities such as quilting, gardening, or participating in community events. Entertainment is typically rooted in social interaction and practical skills, which aligns with their values of productivity and togetherness. The avoidance of modern entertainment helps preserve their simple lifestyle and keeps their focus on faith, family, and community.

In the Amish faith, leadership roles such as ministers, bishops, and deacons are traditionally reserved for men. Women actively participate in church life by attending services, teaching children, and contributing to community decisions, but they do not typically hold formal leadership positions. This reflects the Amish interpretation of biblical teachings on gender roles, where men are seen as the spiritual heads of the household and community. While women have a significant influence in everyday life, church governance remains a male-dominated aspect of their religious structure.

Divorce is exceedingly rare in Amish communities, as marriage is considered a lifelong, sacred commitment before God. Even in cases of marital unhappiness or discord, both women and men are expected to remain married and work through their challenges. Separation may be permitted in extreme situations, but remarriage after divorce is not allowed. The strong emphasis on enduring marriage reflects the Amish values of forgiveness, duty, and the importance of family stability within the community.

The Ordnung is a set of unwritten but well-understood rules that guide the Amish way of life, covering everything from dress and behavior to the use of technology. Amish women, like all members of the community, are expected to follow these rules without question. The Ordnung ensures that the community remains united and focused on their shared values of humility, modesty, and separation from the outside world. Questioning or challenging these rules is seen as undermining the collective spiritual discipline and could lead to corrective measures by church leaders, including shunning.

Televisions are strictly forbidden in Amish households, as they are viewed as a source of worldly influence that could disrupt their focus on faith and community. Watching television is seen as a distraction that introduces ideas and behaviors that conflict with Amish values, such as materialism, individualism, and immodesty. Instead of engaging with entertainment media, Amish families spend time on productive and community-based activities, such as crafts, reading, and religious study, reinforcing their simple, distraction-free way of life.

Amish communities typically avoid the use of musical instruments, even during worship, as instruments are believed to promote individualism and personal pride. Singing is an important part of Amish religious life, but it is done in unison and without accompaniment to maintain a sense of equality and humility. The Amish prefer communal a cappella hymns that reflect their values of simplicity and togetherness. Instruments are considered too closely associated with entertainment and self-expression, which are viewed as distractions from spiritual devotion.