Amish men use their beards as a symbol of marriage. If a man has a clean-shaven face, it means he is single and ready to mingle, which is important for the ladies to know. However, if he's got a beard, he's taken. Back off, ladies.
While married men may shave their mustaches only, unmarried men may shave their beards, too. The only prohibition on shaving applies to the beards of married men. Amish women may shave their body hair if they choose to, although most don't.
Since the Ordnung doesn't allow the exchange of wedding rings during weddings, men are instead forbidden from shaving their beards as a sign of manhood, humility, and commitment to their marriage, wife, children, and religion. Aside from marriage, religious piety is the second reason Amish men grow their beards.
In the 17th century, mustaches were mandatory for anyone serving in the military in most parts of Europe. The military would often harass the poor and the Amish for their different religious beliefs. Since the Amish believe in non-violence, they stopped growing mustaches to set themselves apart from servicemen.
Today, few men in the Western world choose to grow mustaches, but this tradition remains among the Old Order Amish people, which number about 200,000 in North America. While mustaches are not allowed, beards are practically a requirement among the Amish due to beards being common among men in the Bible.
In short, Amish women don't shave because they aren't allowed to cut their hair. Similarly, married men don't shave their beards, but do shave their cheeks and trim to keep their beards tidy. Along with maintaining their lush hair, the Amish believe that everything they do should be of high quality.
The Amish also believe marriage should be between a man and a woman. Same-sex relationships are not allowed within the Amish community. Unmarried Amish men and women aren't supposed to have any physical contact with each other. This includes kissing, hugging, and even holding hands.
In conclusion, the Amish have strict hair rules that are deeply rooted in their belief system. Amish women keep their hair long and never cut or style it, while men are allowed to keep their hair shorter but still must wear hats when outdoors.
Basically, Amish men stop shaving their beards once they become married. The Bible mentions beards several times as it is related to manhood and growing up. It states that having a beard shows you are a man of God. The Amish communities acknowledge this fact by allowing married men to grow their beards out.
The bowl-cut is the most common hairstyle for Amish men, as it offers an easy way to keep their hair short and neat. It's a classic style that has been around since the 19th century and is still popular today among Amish communities. The bowl cut got its name from the way the cut was executed in the early days.
In order to separate themselves physically from those who would engage in military service (while letting the world know they were married, because the Amish don't exchange wedding rings), they decided to grow beards but shave their lips.
Amish hair rules strictly discourage vanity, so any neckbeard you see on an Amish man is very likely only there because the man's facial hair grows that way. Not following these rules leads to shunning and disrespect in the community.
A commitment to modesty means a man must not wear any jewelry, including a wedding ring. So instead, a married man stops shaving his beard, indicating that he is completely a man and the head of his family. His beard symbolizes his commitment to his wife, his children and his religion.
Amish women, however, have to wear their head coverings at all times. An Amish bonnet or head covering is called kapp (or prayer cover). It is worn and topped with a black Amish bonnet used by women in Amish communities during certain occasions.
In the case of Amish women, this identification of marital status is very simple. The bonnets they wear are how to tell if an Amish woman is married. They all wear traditional bonnets on their heads, but while single women wear black, married women wear white.
However, in addition to the modesty aspect, women must keep their heads covered at all times so that they can pray at any time. Both modesty and prayer are central to the daily lives of Amish people and for women, wearing head coverings and bonnets is an important part of that.
Pennsylvania Dutch is the language used by the Amish population here in Lancaster County. It is considered to be their first and native language. The Amish learn to read, write and speak in English, allowing them to communicate with the 'outside world'.
The Amish are a Christian group in North America. The term refers primarily to the Old Order Amish Mennonite Church. The church originated in the late 17th century among followers of Jakob Ammann.
In line with their beliefs and traditions, the Amish don't wear personal jewelry. While this means they don't show off their marriage in the way most other Americans do, they're no less joyous and celebratory of their commitment.
Feminine Hygiene
Female Amish wash their hair and wear it in a bun. As for makeup, Amish women aren't allowed to wear cosmetics or adornments considered worldly. This includes lipstick, mascara, eye shadow, and jewelry.
There's no prohibition on alcohol in most communities, but certain strict Old Order communities aren't in favor of it. You'll never see Amish men going outside of the community to bars and other such establishments. If they do drink, they do so at home or in the community, at a social gathering.
#10: If an Amish man has trouble growing a beard, it's not a problem.
To get married in the Amish community, members must be baptized in the church. Outsiders, non-Amish, or 'English', as they call the rest of the world, are not permitted to marry within the Amish community.
Phones and computers are prohibited in nearly all Amish homes. The Amish often view many forms of technology as something that can separate families or weaken the community structure by distancing individuals.
Do the Amish celebrate Christmas? Yes, they do, although their customs are much simpler than our “English” customs. They are oriented toward the family and the religious meaning of the holiday.