They say you shouldn’t shirk from your responsibilities on mundane things, but with the Amish, it’s a little more serious. These days, DNA testing is all the rage – which could probably be a huge help in determining and avoiding potential genetic issues before a baby is born. For the Amish, however, DNA testing is strictly forbidden.
It makes sense, though – you don’t exactly want to find out that your spouse is actually your cousin. The Amish acknowledge that if inbreeding occurs, it’s God’s will.
Going Once, Going Twice, Going Three Times...
The Amish have a host of activities they participate in to pass the time. One of those, interestingly enough, is going to auctions! Whether you’re 9 or 99, going to an auction is fun for all! The thrill of buying something and bidding against your neighbor is always entertaining. Not to mention the fact that you can eat and drink and chat.
We wonder what sorts of items would go up for auction – perhaps livestock or haybales, or maybe even clothes. We’re sure there must be plenty of interesting knick-knacks from past generations!
Birding, Anyone?
A more refined version of “hunting”, another favorite pastime of the Amish is called “birding.” Amish birders hunt, but without the guns. It’s pretty much just bird watching; observing birds in their natural habitats.
It seems more fitting, given the pacifist nature of the Amish community, though its popularity differs depending on the group. According to Rich Stevick, a professor of Amish studies, there are “impressive numbers of Amish birders in Ohio and Indiana”, as opposed to in Lancaster Country.
Not Your Typical Honeymoon
If you ever pictured yourself on a sandy white beach sipping champagne for your honeymoon, don’t ever go Amish! Why? Because the Amish tradition is to celebrate honeymoons at their parents’ house.
Privacy takes a back seat, and the wedding celebration happens with family, as well as the honeymoon. The honeymoon, in fact, starts at the bride’s parents’ place – and the next morning, they clean their house as their thanks. Unbelievable, right?
The Light of the World
For the Amish, the most important calling is that of being a light to the world. The light that’s referred to in the Holy Bible is not one “of the media, but rather the truth of Christ.”
So, to better understand the Amish, one must understand their relationship with God, and their commitment to serving Him and spreading his word, at least within their community.