The Amish generally do not say “bless you” when someone sneezes, as most English people would say. This is because some of the beliefs of the Amish religion discourage blessings that are connected to superstitions.
One of the main tenants of the Amish faith is to avoid being overly prideful, which can often lead to excessive showings of sentimentality. As such, saying “bless you” is not something that the Amish would typically do.
However, the Amish do have their own ways of showing kindness and caring for their community. They often greet one another with simple phrases like “Godaena”, or “Go to a good day”. The Amish also pass along comfort and prayers for those who are ill, grieving or facing difficult times.
For these types of situations, the Amish would have a practice of reciting Bible verses or offering words of prayers rather than saying “bless you”.
How do Amish people greet?
Amish people commonly greet one another with a firm handshake and a verbal greeting, such as “good day” or “good morning”. They will maintain eye contact throughout the greeting, and often bow their head or remove their hat as a sign of respect.
It is also considered polite to hold another person’s hand during the greeting.
In some communities, it is also common for men and women to greet each other with a kiss on the cheek. This is generally done in private and is not part of a public greeting.
The greeting is also an opportunity for Amish people to ask after one another; common questions include inquiring about another’s health, wellbeing, and family members. It is considered polite to exchange news with one another during the greeting.
There may be regional differences in the way Amish people greet. For instance, in some communities it is common for everyone to take off their hats for the duration of the greeting. In other communities, some or all of the people present may choose to keep their hat on.
In some communities, it is also traditional to greet each other with a hug, rather than a handshake.
How do you say good morning in Amish?
Good morning in Amish is traditionally said as “Guder Mariye”. Pronounced gu-der ma-rye. This is the most common Amish greeting. This phrase is a combination of two German words and literally translates to “good morning”.
In addition, Amish often exchange “gut” accompanied by a handshake. Gut (pronounced “goot”) means “good” in German. Amish also may include “Gott segne dich”, (God bless you) in which they will bow their head and pass along a blessing.
Saying “Guder Mariye” and “Gut” is a polite way to start a conversation and express friendliness with the Amish people.
Can Amish people talk to non Amish people?
Yes, Amish people can talk to non-Amish people. It may be a bit more complicated than just a conversation on the street, as Amish people are a separate ethnic and religious group with restrictions on their interactions with people outside the group.
Therefore, it is expected that non-Amish people take the time to understand their lifestyle and beliefs before attempting to engage in conversation. Generally, Amish people will be quite friendly and polite to anyone who approaches them with respect and courtesy, and may well be open to engaging in conversation.
It is recommended to remain mindful of any topics which could be seen as controversial, such as politics or religion, as these could prove to be difficult conversations.
What language do Amish use?
The Amish typically use a dialect of German called Pennsylvania German, also known as Pennsylvania Dutch or Plain German. This dialect is still used among the most conservative groups of Amish today, but has been slightly adapted by using English loan words.
While many Amish are now comfortable speaking English, they still use the Pennsylvania German when they get together in social or church settings. Pennsylvania German is considered to be the language of the Amish communities and is not used outside of these communities.
Official documents within the Amish communities, such as birth and marriage records, are still written in Pennsylvania German. Furthermore, nearly all religious services are conducted in Pennsylvania German.
Can you compliment Amish?
Yes, you can certainly compliment Amish people. Some suggestions for ways to do so could include noting how kind, helpful, and conscientious they are, how hardworking they are, or how much they value their traditions and heritage.
Additionally, you could mention specific qualities you admire, such as their dedication to their faith and their willingness to work in service to their community. Compliments rooted in these topics tend to be appreciated and celebrated by Amish people as they are reflective of values and beliefs they hold dear.
What do Amish call their moms?
The Amish typically refer to their mothers using the Low German term aldi, which translates to “old one,” reflecting the idea that their parents should be respected due to their age and experience. This term is also used as a form of reverence for grandparents, aunts, uncles, and other respected elders within the community.
It is not unusual for Amish mothers to be called “Aldi Mamm” (Mam being a Low German term for Mother).
How do the Amish say I love you?
The Amish show their love differently than the way most people would express it. The Amish prefer to express love through physical and practical acts. Instead of saying ‘I love you’, they’ll typically show their love through acts of service or support.
Giving gifts, making meals or doing chores are all typical ways that the Amish will show their love. Instead of emotive or verbal expressions, they often show their love through gestures and actions.
This may be a sign of their commitment to humility and reluctance to brag or draw attention to themselves. Ultimately, the Amish expression of love is about deeds, not words.
Do the Amish go to church every Sunday?
Yes, the Amish do go to church every Sunday. The Amish church, called the Old Order Amish, is a close-knit community that follows a strict set of religious beliefs, including attending church every Sunday.
On Sundays, the Amish will gather together in a local meetinghouse for a two to three-hour service based on Scripture readings, preaching, and hymn singing. Preaching is done in the German language and is addressed mostly to adults.
Children and teenagers usually stay in their own classes during the service, receiving instruction in their own language. During the service, men typically occupy the benches on one side of the room and the women the opposite side.
After the preaching is over, the men and women shake hands and exchange the Christian kiss of peace. Following the service, the Amish share a meal together in the same building and enjoy visiting and fellowshipping.
Do Amish take Sundays off?
Yes, the Amish take Sundays off. This is in keeping with their religious beliefs, which focus on the importance of rest and honoring the Sabbath. Sunday is typically a day of rest, reflection, and worship in the Amish faith, and Sundays are often spent in church and engaged in group Bible study.
During this time, families will gather for family worship services and to offer mutual support. Work and other activities are typically avoided on Sundays, with the exception of necessary tasks such as milking the animals or preparing meals.
It’s important to remember that the Amish community can differ from one another in terms of the specific beliefs and customs they follow. In some Amish communities, it’s traditional for community members to gather every Sunday evening for singing and prayer.
How often do Amish attend church?
Amish attend church every other Sunday and generally during special occasions such as baptism, communion, and weddings. The services can last up to three hours, with a sermon and Bible readings, hymns and chanting, and a common meal.
Every other Sunday, Amish attend afternoon services, which typically lasts about two hours, with weekly sermons alternating between ministers from different households. Special occasions such as baptisms, weddings, and funerals may be held separately in family homes or in church buildings.
The Amish view church as the kind of gathering that brings everyone together in the community, and attendance is strongly emphasized. It is not uncommon for baptized Amish to be excommunicated if they repeatedly miss church services.
Do the Amish have a bedtime?
Yes, the Amish do have a bedtime. Bedtime for the Amish is usually around 9pm or 9:30pm. This is usually the time at which lights are put out and everyone goes to bed. Bedtime for the Amish is usually early, compared to the typical bedtime for Americans which is usually much later.
In the summer, bed times for the Amish may be moved slightly earlier, but not by much. Bedtimes for Amish children is usually slightly earlier than that of adults.
What do Amish do on Tuesdays?
On Tuesdays, Amish people typically will attend Church services in the morning and then afterwards, they will congregate at each other’s homes and socialize. The afternoon is often spent doing chores such as gardening, fencing, or gathering firewood and produce.
If a family has an animal, they may also spend some time tending to it.
After dinner is prepared, the family, along with any other family members from the nearby community, will socialize and eat dinner together. After dinner, the men and boys might go out for a late-night buggy ride, and the women will often spend their time quilting and sewing, usually with the help of the young girls.
The evening might be spent playing board games, telling stories and jokes, or teaching each other new skills. Tuesday nights are usually dedicated to family time and visiting with family from nearby communities.
If it is the summer, members of the community may take part in Tuesday night baseball games. Tuesday nights in the summer provide wonderful opportunities to meet friends, have fun, and build strong relationships within the community.
Why do Amish get married on Tuesday or Thursday?
The Amish religious tradition dictates that major life events, such as weddings, should occur on Tuesday or Thursday. This is because Tuesday and Thursday are the two days of the week that the Amish do not work.
For the Amish, their faith is central to all aspects of their lives, and so their religion guides the timing of major events. Amish couples get married on Tuesdays and Thursdays so they can focus on their faith during the wedding observance and share the union in church with their community.
Amish brides and grooms honor their faith by prioritizing their spiritual focus over convenience. While most weddings take place in the bride’s church or a wedding barn, Amish weddings usually occur inside the groom’s home, and the bride and groom then travel to the bride’s home for the wedding supper after the ceremony.
Tuesday and Thursday are ideal days for Amish weddings as this allows for an extra day of wedding preparation and festivities — the Amish do not observe Sunday as a day for merry making or engaging in activities that are not church related.
Furthermore, Tuesday and Thursday provide plenty of time for the bride and groom to visit family and friends in the days before their wedding.
