1. Strict Gender Roles
Gender roles are deeply ingrained in Amish society. Men are responsible for farming, carpentry, and other outdoor work, while women manage the home and take care of children. This division of labor ensures that the family unit operates smoothly and reflects the Amish belief in complementary roles.
2. No Cars—Only Horse and Buggy
Amish communities don’t own or drive cars. Instead, they rely on horse-drawn buggies for transportation. This rule promotes humility and prevents members from becoming too reliant on modern conveniences. It also allows them to maintain a slower pace of life, free from the stresses of busy roads.
3. No Photography
You won’t find any Amish posing for pictures or sharing selfies. Photography is prohibited because it promotes pride and vanity, which goes against their values of humility. They believe that focusing on their community and the work they do is more important than capturing their image for posterity.
4. Plain Clothing
Amish clothing is intentionally plain—no flashy patterns, bright colors, or trendy cuts. Men wear simple dark suits, and women wear long dresses with bonnets. This simplicity reflects their devotion to God and their rejection of the consumerism and vanity seen in modern fashion trends.
5. No Wedding Rings
Amish couples don’t exchange wedding rings. While marriage is a significant commitment, the absence of rings underscores the community’s focus on the value of commitment and service to one another, rather than on material items.
6. Shunning
One of the most difficult rules to follow is shunning—where members who break significant community rules are avoided. Shunning is meant to encourage the person to repent and rejoin the community. While it may seem harsh, it’s seen as a form of spiritual discipline, reinforcing their commitment to living by the community’s values.
7. No Military Service
Amish men are conscientious objectors, meaning they refuse to serve in the military. This is rooted in their belief in pacifism and nonviolence, as they prefer to avoid conflict and focus on living peacefully with others. They believe in resolving disputes without violence.
8. No Electricity in the Home
Perhaps the most well-known rule, the Amish refuse to use electricity in their homes. This is all about keeping life simple and avoiding the distractions and temptations of modern technology. Instead of TVs, computers, and smartphones, Amish families use gas lamps, candles, and other non-electric lighting.
9. No Formal Education After Eighth Grade
Amish children typically only attend school until the eighth grade. They believe that higher education isn’t necessary for their way of life, and that learning should focus on practical skills like farming and homemaking. Once they finish school, they begin working and contributing to the family.
10. No Insurance
Amish families don’t use health, auto, or life insurance. Instead, they rely on mutual aid within their community to help with medical costs or emergencies. This rule stems from their belief that they should live without relying on outside institutions and trust God to provide.
11. No Zippers
Amish clothing is fastened with buttons or hooks, not zippers. This is part of their commitment to simplicity and humility. Zippers, they believe, are a symbol of modern technology and individualism, and they prefer more traditional ways of doing things.
12. No Modern Technology in the Home
Even without electricity, Amish homes are often equipped with items like washing machines or refrigerators, but only if they can run on non-electric power sources like gas or propane. They use these technologies in a way that avoids being overly dependent on them and stays within their religious constraints.
13. No Vending Machines or Commercial Products
Amish don’t use vending machines or buy packaged food items from stores. They prefer to grow their own food and make everything from scratch. This rule ties into their desire for self-sufficiency, as they believe in producing their own goods rather than relying on modern commerce.
14. Must Attend Church Every Sunday
For the Amish, attending church is a must. Every Sunday, members of the community gather for a long church service, which can last for several hours. Church is not just about worship; it’s also about reinforcing the values of the community and staying connected to the group.
15. No Use of Mirrors
While the Amish do use mirrors in their homes for practical purposes, like shaving or dressing, they don’t use them for vanity. They believe that excessive focus on one’s appearance distracts from their religious focus and humility. Mirrors are seen as tools, not something to obsess over.
These rules may seem strange to outsiders, but for the Amish, they are vital to maintaining their spiritual and community values. Each one reflects a deep commitment to simplicity, faith, and the avoidance of distractions that might lead them away from their core beliefs.
