The Amish culture was born in Europe as a reulst of Jacob Amman breaking away from the Mennonites; he felt they did not adhere to their rules strictly enough. There is much to know about this static community within kinetic United States.
According to the guide, most Amish do not use electricity because the don't want to be connected with the world. However they can buy convenience like ovens, washing machines and mixers - but instead of running it on electricity, they can use natural gas ... how many of you think electricity is not natural?
They make their own clothes using sewing machines - the German gal inquired: "did they bring their sewing machines from Europe, this machine is a Singer?" The American woman countered, "you can buy sewing machines in America!"
The women wear outfits that are held together with pins. Married men have beards because they don't wear rings - their word in front of God is enough. The girls have a lovely "hope chest" in which they collect household items for their future homes.
The Amish do not have anything in their homes for which there is no purpose ... so no wall paintings. However, the necessary items can be colourful and ornate, so e.g. a scissor holder is sewn with colourful patches ... I suppose fashion houses would probably classify scissor holders necessary items too
They don't have pictures taken as that is seen as a graven image, which is not permissible. The Amish hang their clothes to dry so the Italian lady asked, "what happens when it is raining?"... seriously
9 comments:
I've been to Amishland too.. It was quite surreal but at the same time it was great to see people exist in that manner.
At least it's a good thing to know they can exist without any technology and be happy.
Wheeew!
It makes me think that any old crackpot with enough charisma can make up a culture based on arbitrary do's and don'ts (natural gas, are you kidding me? how do they think the stuff gets delivered to their homes? By cloud?). It's how a lot of civilizations got underway.
Jeff - I am ambivalent about it. it is my current state of mind that vehemently rejects the idea of people having to live a certain way of life by family bindings where individualism is shunned. Their education is stoped at 8th grade in order to keep them in their own ways (like the muslim girls in Saudi Arabia). It is their way, I understand that.
So nice to see you Jeff!! How have you been? Take very good careof yourself ;-)
Tom - I am glad you picked up on my sentiment ... ;-)
Consider those uneducated muslim clerics who inspire hatred, or those polygamist who convince followers that they are leading the life of piety or those governments who rule people by fear
it's everywhere - and it is the people who are willing to be led in blindness that allow it
Very good to see you! Hope you are doing very well!
...these Amish people have a LOT of problem with their youth...
search and you ll see
by the way Nazli
listen these tunes theyre pretty nice: lost cause by Beck
and a not so common B Marley one: there she goes
hope you like both
why you have this face ?
Fr
Ferrnando - I spent minutes laughing at you comment "why you have this face?" :-) Well - I just wanted an expression that could be thinking about anything - that is my mood today. Perhaps tomorrow I will have the red smiling one up ;-)
Okay I will listen to "there she goes" and "lost cause" tonight - thank you for the recommendations!
Abou the Amish youth, it makes sense that the youth would have trouble - can you imagine - a whole to explore of so many ways of living - and they must adhere to their standards or they will lose their family
I feel so strongly against families and religion and gvernments forcing youths to lose their individuality and right to live a good life on their own terms.
Fernando if you have the chance, watch "V for Vendetta"
Nazli
Nazli,
I have always wanted to visit an Amish village... It's funny because when I was young - before my teens - I used to think that it might be nice to belong to a community like that, for some reason it made me feel as if it were safe, nice to belong to something where everyone thinks alike and is predictable... Of course, now I don't think like that, as you know, I try to live life on my own terms and I couldn't live by anyone's else rules and not feel free...
Very interesting though!!
What is V for Vendetta about? For some reason I was not attracted to see the film...
Cris! My dear I really recommend you watch "V for Vendetta" - it is based on the theme of "living on your terms".
i think you and i are in the same place with living on our terms ;-0 and that's wonderful because I feel I have my friend in this ;-)
As for the Amish - well i do respect the difference of other cultures and I am intrigued in interest, i feel for youth who have the unfair choice - "the world or your family"
But at least they are harmless and have no vendetta against the world!
It's really nice to see you! I hope you are having a fantastic time!! You know I am hoping for pictures for our Picturesque Monday!
Huge hug to you!
Nazli
You have an outstanding good and well structured site. I enjoyed browsing through it » » »
Post a Comment