Discover the SECRET Life of the Amish (Facts for Kids)

Summary

The Amish are a unique group of people who live simply and follow a long-held tradition that dates back to the 1690s. Originating from the Anabaptists, they fled Europe for America to find religious freedom, settling in Pennsylvania. Known for their simple way of life, the Amish avoid modern technology and live without phones, computers, or cars, relying on horse-drawn buggies and manual farming tools. Their clothing is plain, and education stops at age 14. Despite their old-fashioned ways, some Amish families run small businesses and enjoy traditional games and storytelling. Their peaceful, family-centered lifestyle offers a fascinating glimpse into the past.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Amish are part of the Anabaptist group, which started in 1693 and believed in waiting until a person is old enough to understand before baptism.
• 😀 The name 'Amish' comes from Jakob Ammann, who wanted the group to live simply and focus on faith.
• 😀 The Amish moved to America in the early 1700s to find safety and freedom to practice their beliefs, settling primarily in Pennsylvania.
• 😀 Pennsylvania was chosen by the Amish because it was known for its religious freedom, thanks to William Penn, and its fertile farmland.
• 😀 Today, the Amish live in a way similar to their ancestors, using horse buggies and simple tools instead of modern machines.
• 😀 The Amish reject modern technology, including phones, computers, and tablets, to maintain their simple lifestyle.
• 😀 Amish clothing is handmade and simple, with boys wearing plain shirts and suspenders, and girls wearing long dresses, aprons, and bonnets.
• 😀 The Amish avoid bright colors and decorative clothing, preferring to remain plain and humble, though some young Amish girls add special pins and stitches to their dresses.
• 😀 Amish children go to school in small, one-room schools until they are about 14, after which they start working on the farm or learning trades.
• 😀 For fun, the Amish enjoy playing games like cornerball (a mix of dodgeball and tag), telling stories, and spending time outdoors.
• 😀 Some Amish families run small businesses, making items like furniture and baked goods, which they sell at markets or to visitors to their farms.

Q & A

Who are the Amish?

The Amish are a group of people who live a simple lifestyle, avoiding modern technology and focusing on community, faith, and traditional ways of living.

When and how did the Amish movement begin?

The Amish movement began in 1693 as part of the Anabaptist group, which believed that people should wait until they are old enough to understand before being baptized.

Where does the name 'Amish' come from?

The name 'Amish' comes from Jakob Ammann, a leader who encouraged his followers to live simply and faithfully, separating from others who preferred more modern lifestyles.

Why did the Amish move to America?

The Amish moved to America in the early 1700s to escape persecution in Europe and to find a place where they could practice their religion freely and safely.

Where did the Amish first settle in America?

They mainly settled in Pennsylvania, which was known as a welcoming place for different religious groups, thanks to William Penn’s belief in religious freedom.

How do the Amish live without modern technology?

The Amish avoid using modern devices like phones, computers, and cars. Instead, they travel in horse-drawn buggies, use simple farm tools, and rely on handcrafting for daily tasks.

What kind of clothes do the Amish wear?

The Amish wear simple, handmade clothing. Men and boys wear plain shirts and pants with suspenders, while women and girls wear long dresses with aprons and bonnets, usually in plain colors without patterns.

What is Amish education like?

Amish children attend one-room schoolhouses with one teacher for all grades. They use basic learning tools like chalkboards and pencils and typically finish school around age 14 before helping at home or learning trades.

What do the Amish do for fun?

The Amish enjoy outdoor activities, storytelling, and games like cornerball, which combines dodgeball and tag. Family time and oral traditions are very important to them.

Do the Amish have businesses?

Yes, some Amish families run small businesses such as furniture-making, baking, and selling handmade goods at local markets, allowing them to support their communities while maintaining their simple lifestyle.

How do the Amish maintain their traditions today?

The Amish maintain their traditions by following the same values and practices as their ancestors, living simply, working together, and avoiding influences that could disrupt their faith-based community life.