Are you intrigued by the Amish culture? Do you want to learn more about Amish traditions? If so, these interesting facts will be just what you are looking for! Do not hesitate to forget about the differences between the culture you have always known and the uniquely different Amish culture! This will help you learn something new about these people!
Most of us have a skewed view of the Amish, due to plenty of misconceptions about their way of life. You may be aware that the Amish are not required to pay any kind of government taxes, for example. Although this is partially true, the Amish pay most kinds of taxes, just not the social security tax. They're exempt because insurance is against their religion. Accepting social security is something they would never do.
Another well known fact is the Amish people's rejection of many facets of popular society, of which partying, drinking and gambling are just some examples. What people don't realize, though, is that young Amish adults experience a time called "rumspringa" or "running around." During this phase, they experiment with normally unacceptable mainstream practices with other people their age. However, once their baptism occurs, "rumspringa" must stop.
You are obviously aware of the stereotype of an Amish person's work ethic and dedication, but did you know most Amish children do not receive more than an eighth grade education? Most do not attend high school, and almost no Amish people throughout history have attended post-secondary education. According to Amish parents, education above the eighth grade is unnecessary.
A final bit of surprising information about the Amish is their many genetic problems. The Amish gene pool is much smaller than that of the rest of the world. This has caused many genetic disorders to be common in their communities. The Amish do not find preventative or diagnostic treatment necessary or relevant to their beliefs, but will sometimes submit to research on a select few especially prevalent diseases.
Most of us have a skewed view of the Amish, due to plenty of misconceptions about their way of life. You may be aware that the Amish are not required to pay any kind of government taxes, for example. Although this is partially true, the Amish pay most kinds of taxes, just not the social security tax. They're exempt because insurance is against their religion. Accepting social security is something they would never do.
Another well known fact is the Amish people's rejection of many facets of popular society, of which partying, drinking and gambling are just some examples. What people don't realize, though, is that young Amish adults experience a time called "rumspringa" or "running around." During this phase, they experiment with normally unacceptable mainstream practices with other people their age. However, once their baptism occurs, "rumspringa" must stop.
You are obviously aware of the stereotype of an Amish person's work ethic and dedication, but did you know most Amish children do not receive more than an eighth grade education? Most do not attend high school, and almost no Amish people throughout history have attended post-secondary education. According to Amish parents, education above the eighth grade is unnecessary.
A final bit of surprising information about the Amish is their many genetic problems. The Amish gene pool is much smaller than that of the rest of the world. This has caused many genetic disorders to be common in their communities. The Amish do not find preventative or diagnostic treatment necessary or relevant to their beliefs, but will sometimes submit to research on a select few especially prevalent diseases.
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