Discover the surprising, hidden truths about Amish life that defy everything you thought you knew.
Life in the Amish world is nothing like you’d expect—it’s a mix of strict traditions, unexpected quirks, and hidden complexities. Beneath the plain clothes and horse-drawn buggies lies a way of life filled with rules and surprises that outsiders rarely understand.
From unusual courtship rituals to surprising exceptions to their anti-technology stance, Amish life is full of strange realities that seem almost unreal. Here are 14 fascinating truths that will completely change how you see their world.
1. Amish Teens Have a Wild Phase Called Rumspringa
During Rumspringa, Amish teenagers are allowed to experience the outside world without restrictions. It’s like an extended hall pass for rebellion—driving cars, wearing jeans, even partying. This phase is meant to help them decide if they want to commit to the Amish way of life for good. While it sounds shocking, many choose to return and get baptized into the church. Imagine tasting total freedom and willingly giving it up—it’s a mindset that’s hard for most of us to grasp.
2. They Use Smartphones… But Only for Business
Yes, some Amish people secretly—or not-so-secretly—use smartphones for their businesses. It’s a loophole they exploit to stay competitive in industries like woodworking and farming. They’re not scrolling Instagram, though—it’s all about practical use, like contacting suppliers or managing customers. The church often turns a blind eye, especially if it benefits the community. It’s a fascinating gray area in their otherwise tech-averse lifestyle, and it proves they’re more adaptable than we give them credit for.
3. Amish Communities Choose Which Modern Conveniences to Allow
Not all Amish groups are the same—what’s banned in one community might be totally fine in another. Some allow limited electricity or solar panels, while others stick to gas lamps and hand-cranked tools. The rules and known as the Ordnung, and are set by local church leaders and reflect the balance they try to maintain between tradition and necessity. It’s all about staying “simple,” but what that means varies wildly. This flexibility is one of the most surprising aspects of Amish life.
4. Courtship Involves Sleeping in the Same Bed—But With Boundaries
Dating Amish-style comes with one very unexpected tradition: bundling. Young couples sleep fully clothed in the same bed, separated by a board or layers of blankets. It’s meant to encourage emotional connection without physical intimacy. While it seems bizarre to outsiders, it’s a long-standing custom rooted in trust and community values. If you think modern dating is complicated, imagine navigating a relationship under those conditions. Somehow, it works for them, and it often leads to lifelong commitments.
5. Some Amish People Fly on Airplanes
Here’s a shocker: Amish people aren’t completely grounded. While they don’t own or regularly use cars, some will fly on airplanes if it’s necessary—like for a family emergency or a business trip. It’s rare, and the church leaders usually have to approve, but it happens. This occasional exception shows just how pragmatic their lifestyle can be. When the need outweighs the rules, they find ways to adapt without losing sight of their core beliefs.
6. They Pay Taxes—But Not Like the Rest of Us
Amish people are exempt from Social Security and Medicare taxes because they don’t use those benefits. Instead, they take care of their own elderly and sick through community support. However, they do pay property taxes, income taxes, and sales taxes just like everyone else. They’ve worked out a system that blends civic responsibility with self-reliance. It’s a reminder that while they live apart from mainstream society, they’re not completely disconnected from its demands.
7. Their Clothing Isn’t Just Simple—It’s a Statement
Amish clothing might look plain, but every detail has meaning. From the number of pleats on a woman’s dress to the way a man’s hat is shaped, it all reflects their values of humility and modesty. Buttons, for instance, are often replaced with hooks and eyes to avoid vanity. They sew everything themselves, ensuring their outfits meet strict community standards. It’s not just fashion—it’s a silent declaration of who they are and what they believe in.
8. Not All Amish Work on Farms
Forget the stereotype—many Amish people work in construction, furniture-making, or small businesses. Farming used to be the norm, but with land prices soaring, many have diversified their skills. They’re known for their incredible craftsmanship and work ethic, which makes them sought-after in various trades. So while you might picture them milking cows or harvesting crops, there’s a good chance they’re building homes or crafting custom furniture instead.
9. The Amish Have Their Own Language
Did you know most Amish people speak three languages? At home, they use Pennsylvania Dutch, a German dialect. In church, they switch to High German for hymns and scripture. And when interacting with outsiders, they use English. It’s impressive how they seamlessly switch between languages depending on the situation. This linguistic versatility is just one more way they manage to preserve their heritage while engaging with the modern world when necessary.
10. Medical Care Isn’t Forbidden, But It’s a Last Resort
Amish people don’t reject modern medicine outright, but they prefer natural remedies and community-based care whenever possible. Doctors and hospitals are used only for serious issues, and they usually pay out-of-pocket since they don’t have health insurance. Their mutual aid system often steps in to cover costs. It’s a unique approach that blends self-reliance with a willingness to seek help when needed, showing their ability to balance tradition with practicality.
11. They Celebrate Christmas Differently Than Most of Us
Amish Christmas traditions are simple but deeply meaningful. They focus on religious observance and family, skipping the commercial frenzy of gift-giving. Instead, they might exchange handmade items or give “time gifts,” like acts of service. Singing hymns and reading the Christmas story together are central to their celebrations. It’s a refreshing reminder of what the holiday season is truly about—connection, gratitude, and faith, rather than shopping sprees and flashy decorations.
12. They Believe in Forgiveness, Even in Extreme Cases
Forgiveness is a cornerstone of Amish faith, and they practice it in ways that seem almost superhuman. When a tragedy strikes—like the 2006 schoolhouse shooting in Pennsylvania—they respond with compassion, offering forgiveness to the perpetrators. It’s not just a belief; it’s a way of life that shapes their interactions with the world. While it’s hard to comprehend, this unwavering commitment to forgiveness is one of the most profound aspects of their culture.
13. Excommunication Can Tear Families Apart
When someone leaves the Amish faith, they risk being shunned or excommunicated. This means losing not only their place in the church but also close contact with family and friends. It’s a painful consequence designed to preserve the community’s values. While shunning seems harsh, many former Amish describe it as a necessary part of maintaining the group’s identity. For those who stay, the rules are a reminder of the high stakes of their commitment.
14. They’re Surprisingly Entrepreneurial
Amish businesses are thriving, from bakeries to furniture shops to roadside markets. They have a reputation for quality and craftsmanship, which attracts loyal customers from outside their communities. Their work ethic and word-of-mouth marketing create successful enterprises without needing flashy advertisements or websites. It’s amazing how they manage to balance traditional values with modern entrepreneurial spirit, proving you don’t need high-tech tools to build a thriving business.