To be respectful and not offend with natural or "accepted" habits of the non Amish community, what things should you remember while visiting?
Does anyone have a story to tell of an actual visit and the experiences they had?
2006-07-08 00:22:13 · 7 answers · asked by Craptacular Wonderment 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
((Please Vote between the bottom 2 answers, they were both impressive to me, one from personal experience, the other with related links of information involved))
2006-07-12 23:15:28 · update #1
Lessons From the Frontlines. (A month-long stay for a graduate comparative theology paper)
FIRST: NEVER, but NEVER ask them WHY they live the way they do. Their faith requires it of them, that's why.
SECOND: Never wonder aloud about the lack of modern conveniences. They recognize the ploy and while they'll be polite, they won't be sorry to see you leave.
THIRD: Do NOT attempt to make conversation about: the latest movies, tv shows, books and rock bands.
FOURTH: You may offer to help with a chore, but make sure you know HOW to do that chore. It's not helpful if one of them has to stand and watch over you so you don't mess up or get hurt.
FIFTH: Some of the more moderate ones DO drink a little home brew now and then. Since it's unlikely you'll know who does and who doesn't, DON'T ask for alcohol of any kind! Don't smoke at all, unless the man of the house offers a pipe. That too is rare.
SIXTH: DO NOT make sheep's eyes at the son or daughter of the house! That can get you shot.
SEVENTH: Be exceedingly respectful of their elders. These men are esteemed in the community for their wisdom. Don't make them lose face. It won't help you and it could hurt the family you're visiting. Remember, they're human and they have just as much pride as you do.
EIGHTH: NO foul language, neither vulgarisms, profanities, obscenities or *shudder* blasphemies.
NINTH: NO photographs. NO bringing along a radio, cellphone or Mp3 player. Remember, essentially, you're stepping back into the late 18th century here. If they didn't have it then, don't YOU bring it in now.
LAST: Learn all you can about their history, customs and laws of behavior BEFORE you visit. Your public library will probably have books in the anthropology section.
Have fun! And good luck! It CAN be a wonderfully warm and fuzzy experience. These people understand the concept of "Family" better than any other American group of people I've ever met. Including Native Americans.
2006-07-08 00:38:24 · answer #1 · answered by Granny Annie 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
We have many close friends who are Amish, and next door neighbors!
They are regular people, who just dress differently than us.
A very big insult to them is to take their pictures.
The last time we visited our neighbors Amish home, we had take out pizza and Mountain Dew!!
2006-07-08 00:29:31 · answer #2 · answered by Punky 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
you'd think common sense would be your guide... would you want someone to come into your world and observe you like a lab rat? still, there are some traits unique to many amish folk, and from what i've read, it's better to err on the side of caution than to risk offending anyone.
do not take pictures. the amish prefer not to have their likeness photographed. pictures are considered images, and are forbidden. similarly do not stare or point out things or people that appear 'different' to you. this would be considered rude in ANY setting, wouldn't you think?
use safety and common sense when around their buggies: allow them plenty of room. do not feed the horses which pull the buggies.
around here, there are small concentrations of amish folk in southeastern minnesota near the iowa border (around harmony, mn) and in north central wisconsin (near abbotsford, wi.) there are also larger populations in pennsylvania and ohio.
2006-07-10 07:08:01 · answer #3 · answered by patzky99 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Important: do not take pictures without their permission. The Amish take deep ofense at having their photos taken, so ask before you do.
2006-07-08 00:25:38 · answer #4 · answered by Stuart 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
It is tradition for strangers to bring and sell microwaves to the locals.
2006-07-08 00:24:42 · answer #5 · answered by Alex 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
the irony is that you won't find any true Amish people here to answer your question!
2006-07-08 00:26:50 · answer #6 · answered by alia_vahed 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
1. DON'T PLAY MUSIC LOUDLY.
2. DRESS APPROPRIATELY
3. NO LOUD CONVERSATION, OR VULGAR LANGUAGE.
2006-07-08 00:26:22 · answer #7 · answered by Melba Toast 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋