Growing up in Pennsylvania and being fairly well-traveled,  the Amish are no strangers to me. Still, they might be strangers to you, my faithful readers. So as a way to once more expand my horizons (and hopefully yours as well) I present you with the first in a group of hubs on the Amish.

(Yeah, I know. One week I am posting hubs on intimate sexual activities and the next week I am writing about a serious, religious group like the Amish. From threesomes to people who think God doesn't even want them to have thier pictures taken fully-clothed. Only in America, huh? But I digress. . .)

As I walk through the valley where I harvest my grain
I take a look at my wife and realize she's very plain
But that's just perfect for an Amish like me
You know, I shun fancy things like electricity -- Weird Al Yankovich

The Amish follow a simple lifestyle that dates back to the 1600s. Pennsylvania Dutch Country has been their rural home since 1960. The Amish are a very family-focused group that lives and works in a fashion similar to that of their forefathers. Their priorities include God, family and their agrarian society.

The main reason for their continued existence is their belief to follow the

biblical command to separate themselves from the things of the world. In this way, they hope to remain closer to God and avoid the distractions the outer world influences could have on their way of life.


The most traditional Amish don't use electricity or any modern conveniences. Even when it comes to the farm work, the Amish use modern farm equipment powered only by

mules and horses. They own no gas-powered vehicles for work or for transportation. In fact, tourists often see Amish horses and buggies on local roads.

Traditionally, they wear basic black and white, plain-styled clothing which has given them the nickname the "plain people". Amish children are

educated in one-room schoolhouses up through eighth grade.

The Amish attend services in their neighbors' homes every two weeks as socializing is important to them. While they are a sharing people they prefer privacy. Visitors should be aware of the Amish attitudes towards photography and the media. The Amish believe that photographing

them in a recognizable pose or fashion is comparable to making graven images, which is forbidden in the Bible.

Just as Christianity has different denominations, there are different sects of Amish, too. Statements made here should be considered only as generalities made concerning the traditonal Amish not slightly more

"progressive" splinter groups. I have read about Amish people who use gas grills and ride public transportation but that is not the norm for the majority of Amish people.

You know what they say, there are exceptions to every rule. If you enjoyed this little peek into Pennsylvania Dutch Country then go buy me a shoofly pie, some scrapple and a quilt for those cold California nights. (I wouldn't mind a copy of this DVD either. You know, for research purposes.)  As always, I thank you for your support.

My name is Phoenix and. . .that's the bottom line.