traditions
- Everyday life and customs in the Amish community are governed by an unwritten code of behavior called the Ordnung.
- In Mennonite communities, the Amish celebrate Holy Communion twice each year during the Spring and Fall.
- The Amish are baptized when they are admitted to formal membership in the church, which is normally at the age of 17 to 20 years.
- Baptisms are a unique tradition for the Amish, they are a part of the Anabaptist branch. Anabaptist is another world for "re-baptized" which means persons are baptized when they are infants, and then again as adults when they have accepted the Amish way of life. Then, that is when they are able to marry.
- After the Amish men have been married they are expected to grow a beard, but no mustaches are allowed.
- On average Amish persons will have seven to ten children.
- Church services are held every Sunday in family homes and barns on a rotating basis because Amish communities don't have churches.
- The Amish community is divided into church districts, independent congregations of about 75 baptized members. This small number is necessary because congregations meet in member's homes. Each district has a bishop and two to four preachers.
- The use of musical instruments are not permitted in an Amish church service or at any time as it is considered worldly and vain.
- On the other hand singing is an important part to the Amish lifestyle, whether at work or at play, home or in church. The songs they sing are very traditional and come from the Ausband, (the Amish hymnal) which is over 400 years old and is very famous and important to the Amish and is known to be eldest Protestant hymnal in continuous use.
- When someone has passed away, they are buried and a funeral is held. Most of the community will attend the funeral.