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The Amish are a very conservative Christian sect that exists today primarily in Ohio, Pennsylvania and Indiana in the U.S. and to a lesser extent in Canada. They separate themselves from mainstream society, both physically and socially, for religious reasons. Almost all of them live in distinctive Amish communities in rural areas, and most are farmers. They do not participate in Social Security (and are exempted by law from paying Social Security taxes) and normally do not accept any form of financial assistance from government agencies. Also, they do not participate in military service. Among the more obvious of their many distinctive features are the avoidance of most modern technology (such as electricity, telephones and automobiles) and wearing traditional clothing. Exceptions are made for emergencies, such as when the police need to be contacted or a member needs advanced medical care. Despite the fact that the main source of energy for their farms are horses, Amish agriculture is highly productive. Income from farms allows the Amish to purchase additional land, even in relatively expensive areas, to expand their agriculture. The Amish also produce and sell a variety of other products, particularly those made from wood. The word Amish is derived from the name of the Swiss Mennonite leader Jacob Amman (who lived around 1656 to 1730), who was convinced that the Mennonites were drifting away from their fundamental principles, including the strict shunning of members (even by their own families and spouses) who had committed various offenses until they repented. The Amish began to immigrate to the U.S. in the early eighteenth century, and their new communities soon thrived as a result of their hard work. In addition to English, most Amish speak a high German dialect that was formerly common in Pennsylvania because of its many German immigrants. German is used for religious services. There are some differences in the dialects among different Amish communities. Regardless of whether one shares the Amish religious convictions, there is much to be learned from them. Particularly important is the fact that it is possible to live happy and productive lives without being concerned about accumulating mass-produced possessions and with a very small burden on the environment. Created October 23, 2006. |