The Amish of Lancaster, PA (And Some Touristy Stuff Too!)

The Amish Basics

• Life a life free of non-essential clutter
• Live at a slower pace
• Don’t live beyond your means
• Avoid too many conveniences (which lead to temptations)

True Story

I (Yes me.  The girl writing this guide.) was once “picked up” by a couple of Amish dudes.  I was at Hersheypark with some friends and we met some Amish boys outside of the park gates.  They asked us if we wanted to “help them find their buggy”.  We declined, obviously.  But I think it was more because they were both wearing souvenir felt hats embroidered with Hersheypark and also with a feather on one side and a corn cob pipe on the other.

Corn cob pipe?  Really?

No Electricity?!

The Amish do not use electricity.  And, no, it’s not because they believe it’s EVIL.  More because they avoid being conformed to the world (the bible tells them so.)

They do, however, use gasoline to power water heaters, stoves, refridgerators and lights. 

Ordnung

It’s the rules that define the way the Amish are supposed to live.  It’s slightly different from district to district and it’s rarely written down.  It’s just known.

And people follow.

Imagine that. 

Such simplicity.

No Pictures Please!

It’s not against their religion to be in photographs.  But POSING for photographs is.  So, snap away if it’s necessary … but have some respect.  No stopping buggies and holding reigns until you get the perfect shot (and yes, it’s happened!)

So, yeah, I enjoy photographs.  I even enjoy posing for them.  But think of all the scandals that could be avoided if people heads didn’t get photoshopped onto the heads of naked bodies? 

Amish Wisdom

“The rumor mill is often wrong. Take what you hear, subtract 70 percent of that and then divide that by two, and you’ll have the facts!”

Source

Two Amish Of Lancaster Tourism Sites

PA Dutch Country Welcome Center

Lancaster County, The Heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country

RUMSPRINGA!!!!!

Amish teens do have a choice to remain a part of the Amish community.  There is a period of time starting around the age of 16 and continuing until the time of baptism that they can go out “running around”.    Just like other teenagers it’s a time of rebellion … you know … drinkin’, drivin’ cars, dressin’ funny, and makin’ out.

Eating

Most Common Amish First Names

Men: John, Amos, Samuel, Daniel, and David

Women:  Mary, Rebecca, Sarah, Katie, and Annie
   

No Phone Calls Please!

Amish don’t have phones. But they DO have access to them.

Small outbuildings at the end of the lane, the use of their “English” neighbors phone, and phone booths in town are some of the ways the Amish use telephones.  But only when the NEED to use them.

I type this after just repeatedly checking my crackberry for no reason.  Imagine living without a cell phone.  Scary? Or liberating?

More Amish Wisdom

“If you admire our faith — strengthen yours. If you admire our sense of commitment — deepen yours. If you admire our community spirit — build your own. If you admire the simple life — cut back. If you admire deep character and enduring values — live them yourself.”

Source

Another True Story

My (Yes me. The girl writing this guide.) friend and I made a trip to my old college for the weekend.  While in Walmart we saw some Amish ladies.  She looked at me and said “I didn’t know they had that sh*t here?!”  Which made me crack up, of course.  And I started to laugh even harder when she said “What?  Well I didn’t want them to HEAR me and know I was talking about them!”

Lodging

Attractions

Amish Child Rearing Advice

1. Attitudes are caught — not taught!

2. Always tell the truth.

3. Don’t remove the sparkle in their eye.

4. Never belittle those in authority.

5. Don’t gossip.

6. Make sure the cup is half full (always be cheerful!).

7. Always help the less fortunate.

Source

And, seriously, if I had a child to rear I think this advice ain’t half bad.