Amish Culture

MILLERSBURG, Ohio -- To many people, the one-room country schoolhouse brings to mind stories of pioneer days that children learn about in history class or by reading Laura Ingalls Wilder books.

In rural parts of Wayne and Holmes counties, however, these schools still exist -- mostly in Amish communities.   Read Story.

On a snowy weekend in January, Mark Yoder walked up the road in Walnut Creek to the Holmes County Expo Center, where he would spend the day taking in all The Great Outdoors Sportsman's Show had to offer. While there, Yoder signed up at The Daily Record booth for a chance to win a fishing trip with yours truly, and Tuesday.  Read Story.

Family is central to the Amish way of life. Family relationships are strong cords that bind the community together. Adult children do not lightly or easily decide to move away from the place of their birth.  Read Story.

Q: Why do Amish men have to wear hats and women have to have their hair covered? A: Amish men wear hats for the practicality and because it is their custom. The females must have their heads covered out of respect to God and to their husbands. Even very young girls must have their heads covered, and they do not.  Read Story.

For one of the most important days of her life, an Amish girl wears a simple, dark-colored dress which either she, a friend or a family member has made, drapes over her shoulders, flowing down to her ankles. She will also wear a white apron, and her hair is pinned up atop her head, secured with a white bonnet.  Read Story.

You've got questions about the Amish; we have answers. For instance: Q: What do the Amish eat for dinner after a long day of working on the farm?   Read Story.

The Easter season is one filled with sober reflection and joyous celebration for the Amish Community. The season begins on Good Friday, the day that Christ was crucified with a fast in the morning. Amish community members believe in fasting for sober holidays because it reflects the sacred day, said Atlee Miller of the Berlin Amish and Mennonite Heritage Center.  Read Story.

When it comes to knowledge about the Amish culture and lifestyle, maybe visitors to this part of Ohio arrive with a firm grasp of the "basics." They already know the Amish who live in Wayne, Holmes and the surrounding counties share specific beliefs and values. These include the general eschewing of modern or "worldly".  Read Story.

Christmas in an Amish household is a time when family and friends gather to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ and to remember the true meaning of the season. On Dec. 25, members of the Amish community wake up and fast until they eat their Christmas feast.  Read Story.

"It comes in any color you want, so long as it's black." Surprisingly enough, there's still personal transportation manufactured to Henry Ford's most famous specification. While an Ohio Amishman can order his buggy with seating for two, or six or more, with a windshield or without, for hauling a large family to Sunday services or pigs to.  Read Story.

By SARAH NUSSBAUM Most visitors to this part of Ohio arrive with a fairly firm grasp of "the basics" when it comes to knowledge about the Amish. Indeed, many aspects of the Amish lifestyle are easily recognized -- they drive a horse and buggy, they don't use electricity, the children attend one-room schoolhouses only until the eighth grade. But the heart of what makes the Amish who they are -- the reason behind their lifestyle -- is their religion.   Read Story.

Thanksgiving in the heartland is a huge tradition steeped in years of history. The Amish celebrate the holiday much like the Pilgrims did hundreds of years ago, according to Atlee Miller, a tour guide at the Amish Mennonite Information Center.   Read Story.

As the last leaves of autumn tumble and twirl to the ground, John and Mary Miller* have finished preparations for winter. The potatoes have been dug, and winter squash gathered in from the garden. The basement shelves are lined with brightly colored fruits and vegetables sealed in glass jars. It is a time to be thankful for life and health, and for the earth's provision. The Miller family's thoughts begin to turn to the approaching holiday season.  Read Story. (1 comment)

For nearly 6,000 years, humans have been heating and shaping iron for both practical and artistic purposes. But it wasn't until the time of the Crusades in Europe (1096-1270) " when horses were used extensively for battle " that the process of horseshoeing became widespread.  Read Story.

First things first. I can't tell you how many times I've been asked, "Isn't taking photographs of the Amish against their religion?" Answer " NO, it's not against an Amish person's religion to be photographed. The Amish religion does, however, prohibit POSING for photographs.  Read Story. (2 comments)

1. Attitudes are caught -- not taught! 2. Always tell the truth. 3.  Read Story. (3 comments)

How do the Amish survive without telephones? Well, most New Order Amish do have phones in their homes. The rest manage to live without them! Nearly all Amish have access to phones. Little buildings, like phone booths, are here and there, at the end of the lane and in town, where the Amish may use the phone when needed.  Read Story.

Every Wednesday and Saturday, the small community of Mt. Hope, in Holmes County, Ohio, bustles with visitors, tourists and locals ready to buy livestock and produce. It's the Mt. Hope Auction, located on Ohio Route 241, that attracts hundreds of guests each of those days.  Read Story.

Editor's note: In the January/February issue, we discussed how the buggy is a simple, yet practical method of transportation for the Amish. In this issue, we will compare the operation of the horse and buggy versus the automobiles of the "English." If fuel prices in 2007 are anything like they've been the past few years, then they're on the verge of.  Read Story.

Social Time Spare time is quite rare in the busy life of an Amish woman, so when able, she often spends her extra time socializing with family and friends. The Amish discourage "entertainment," but heartily encourage visiting with others. An Amish woman might attend a quilting party.  Read Story.