The Amish movement was founded in Europe by Jacob Amman,from whom the Amish name is derived. The Amish, also known as "The Plain People" or Old Order Amish, came from a division of the Mennonites.  As a result of William Penn's 'holy experiment' in religious tolerance and to escape religious persecution in Europe Amish groups emigrated to America in the early 1700's. They settled near Lancaster County PA. Amish communities presently thrive in over eighteen states including Pennsylvania, Ohio, New York, Missouri, and  Indiana.

The Amish are a devout people, interpreting the Scripture literally. "And be ye not conformed to this world, but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” (Romans 12:2) They maintain a separate status from the world by way of their religious practice, dress, and simple lifestyle.

Simple is not equated with easy. Imagine running your home and business without the use of electricity, motor transportation, telephones, or any of the many modern conveniences we "English" so easily take for granted. 

The Amish  maintain a  profound position. Their emphasis on maintaining "sameness" within the community exemplifies their position of  submission to God's will, eschewing self-promotion or individualism. Amish dress, education, and adherence to the local "Ordnung" (rules) of their particular community portray their position of humility ("Demut") and the rejection of individualism.

The Amish dress within strict standards of their community. Dresses are halfway between the knee and floor. White bonnets worn by Amish women denote their married state. Unmarried women wear a black bonnet or "prayer covering." Snaps or specially made straight pins are used to fasten their garments. Men and boys wear dark clothing with buttons and hooks and eyes.

All aspects of even their clothing is dictated by local Ordnung. The width of a hat brim differing from one's neighbor can indicate vanity and individualism, a notion rejected by the Amish. All clothing is in sober, dark colors. The Amish consider even their clothing to be a statement of their religious beliefs and faith.

Amish children are not educated beyond the eighth grade. Amish children are taught in one-room parochial schools by an Amish teacher. Here too, the values of humility, community and family are learned. In addition to school, Amish children learn from an early age the valuable lessons of running the farm, homemaking, and trades like basket-making and carpentry.

Amish communities worship in homes within their close-knit communities.  Men and women sit separately in connecting rooms. Small children are allowed to sit with their mother or father. Worship is part and parcel of a lifestyle devoted to God's will. 

 Amish people make all of their own clothing, furniture, and food. They farm, garden, sew, make baskets and other crafts all by hand. The basket maker's family that we purchase baskets from  has nine or ten children, all of whom help to make baskets from a very early age. The children's baskets cannot be distinguished from the adults! The children are always interested to know where their basket will go. They often sign the bottom of their basket with their first name and "OH" for Ohio.