In 1693 a Swiss farmer and bishop named Jacob Amman broke away from the Mennonite church. Those that followed him were to become known as Amish. Jacob Amman was extremely conservative and insisted that discipline within the church be preserved by excommunication.
In the early 1700's the first large group of Amish arrived in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Today Amish sects can be found in 22 US states and Canada.
Amish LifestyleThe Amish live a strict religious lifestyle. They believe that in order to attain eternal life that they must separate from those not of their belief. Home, family, and community are an intricate part of the Amish lifestyle. They are skilled farmers and craftsmen. The Amish do not farm for a profit but farm in order to provide food for their families. Most Amish farms are small and since they shun modern technology of any kind the fields are plowed by use of animal driven equipment.
The sense of community is extremely prevalent in Amish society. The Amish have no want or need for insurance. If a mans barn were to burn down the rest of the community would simply build him a new one.
The more conservative Amish are referred to as Old Order Amish. They dress in an extremely conservative style. Hooks and eyes are used in place of buttons. Clothing is home made and quite plan and drab in color. Humility is a concept very important to their way of life and therefore clothing as well as furnishings are very plain and always serve a purpose in their lifestyle.
The Amish women and girls wear dresses made from solid color fabric, with long sleeves. The dresses have a full skirt and are never shorter than mid shin. They never cut their hair, which is worn up in a bun. On their heads they wear a prayer covering . A white one if single a black one if married. The Amish women wear no jewelry. The adult men always wear a beard but never a mustache. Their clothing is likewise home made and plain in color and style.
Amish quilts reflect their lifestyle and sense of community. Quilting is done in groups and is a social time for the women in the Amish community. For young girls its a time to learn and perfect their skills as well as learn values from older members around the quilt frame. The quilts made serve a practical use and are often made to be given as gifts for weddings and other important events. Amish quilts are known for their simple and striking designs and their intricate quilting. Solid colors are traditionally used in their construction.
Though Amish quilts are prized by the non Amish as works
of art, the Amish would never considered themselves artists as
this would be considered self-indulgent and too worldly under
their beliefs.
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