The Amish

This article links to the Culture And Beliefs topic

The Amish are people who live in commuinities and refuse standards ofthumb|300px|right|Song about the Amish modern life. This means they don't use electricity, cars or even T-Shirts. They try to live a "Simple Life". They are mostly Christian and live in the USA. They have very different cultures and beliefs to us. As the list is a little too long for this simple site, have a look at the text book for more info, or the very in-depth Wikipedia entry:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amish

History
In the 16th Century in Europe, Catholic Christians led by the pope had a LOT of power over people's lives. It was a period of Christian conflict, and in Switzerland, one group wanted to practise Christianity differently to the pope, with simpler prayer & church service, and letting children grow up and decide for themselves whether or not to be baptised. For this, the Catholics persecuted them, and they were forced to flee, to Pennsylvania, in the 17th Century, where they lived seperately from everyone else, and still referred to everyone apart from themselves as "The English".

Basic Culture...
The Amish, like said, don't use modern advancements.

Clothes

Amish clothes are always made by the women. It is as plain as possible, they do not use buttons, zips or velcro, as these would show pride & they merely want to be humble.

Men

The men do the labour work. Which includes farming and building barns and new houses. They must always shave their 'tache as it's military-like, and may not shave their beard when they are married or reach 40 years of age.

Women

The women traditionally stay home, cook and make clothes.

Children

The children are educated until Year 8. When I child is old enough, it is given the chance to leave the amish commuinity - dispite being raised in one.

Transport

The amish ride in carridges and use horses.

Crime

Although crime is rare in amish commuinities, in the case it does happen, the amish do not believe in typical punishments. Instead, they shun the individual in the commuinity, making them feel unwanted.

Amish Views...
Euthanasia The Amish have no specific views.

Animal Testing The amish do not use any animal tested products, and don't really have a view on it.

Capital Punishment The amish are against the idea, and would instead simply shun the offender.

Past Questions...
Explain how cultures differ. (8 Marks)

From your own studies, compare two cultures. One of these cultures must be found in the United Kingdom. (8 Marks)