The Amish lead a lifestyle that may seem stark to many, yet what they gain surpasses what they relinquish by far.
Electricity, cars, indoor phones, computers, and average American attire are all forbidden. However, it’s crucial to note that not all Amish communities are identical.
Their primary language is Pennsylvania German, pronounced as “Ich” (with a long “i” for Dich), hence sometimes referred to as Dutch despite not being so. Various German dialects exist across regions, making the language barrier perhaps more challenging to adapt to than off-grid living itself.
Clothing must adhere to specified patterns and materials, often handmade. Women wear distinctive hats, intricate and demanding in ironing, a task made more laborious without electricity. Sewing is done using foot-powered machines due to the lack of electricity, a method I personally appreciate and still use today despite having access to electricity.
Even ironing clothes (and those intricate hats) is done without electricity, using metal irons with cut cords or traditional “sad” irons heated on stoves. It takes time to master the delicate balance between enough heat for ironing and not melting the fabric.
Transportation includes walking, horse-drawn carriages, bicycles (in permitted areas only), and occasionally hired English drivers. Laundry is done using old Maytag-style washing machines powered by gasoline engines or James’ hand-cranked washers (where such technology is permitted).
There are no dryers; clothes are either air-dried after wringing or washed in air-powered washing machines if available.
Their communal living (one reason for banning cars is their close-knit proximity) is perhaps the greatest aspect of being Amish. We were part of a Christian Amish community. Life was rigorous (though weight management was simpler), yet I’m grateful for the different pace of life. Knowing all our neighbors, gathering for carry-ins (potlucks), grilling meats at nearby homes, or participating in work bees (also known as frolics) where men labored (splitting wood, building barns, cleaning school exteriors), and women prepared lunches in the kitchen for the men — these memories are dear to me. Again, this is my experience, and it’s important to emphasize that not all Amish communities are alike.
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