And also apparently not common in every Amish community! The art of yodeling is mainly practiced within the Swiss Amish community of Adams County, IN.
In the book ‘ Plain Diversity: Amish Cultures and Identities’ , authored by Steven Nolt and Thomas Meyers, the yodeling of the community is explored. Nolt and Meyers go on to say that “they yodel both German-language folksongs and English-language ballads. Many of these English lyrics are in the vein of traditional love songs or accounts of desperados-yodels that the church does not approve of. The presence of such deviant English songs may be puzzling, but they point to the strength of the ethnic tradition among the Swiss group. ”
But Why the Pacifism?
It is important to the Amish to uphold their Christian duties and keep the peace – specifically the zen haven that they’ve created for themselves within their community. It’s also crucial that they not use any type of force on another human being. Because they cannot do any harm to their fellow humans, they avoid the military like the plague.
There probably isn’t even any type of law enforcement individual in their community – maybe just a spiritual leader or two.
Women Only Have Four Dresses
There is no need for a full closet of dresses when you are a part of the Amish community. You only need four, as there is one for wash, one for wear, one for dress, and one for spare. All of the dresses are simple and come in plain colors that go with a plain-colored cape.
They also wear a prayer cap, in case women feel the need to pray wherever they may be.
Matchmaker, Matchmaker
It’s not unusual to hear of arranged marriages, particularly in traditional settings across the globe. Within the Amish community, there is no matchmaker, nor any type of forced hands into marriage. Despite the limited dating pool, and the common belief that the majority of Amish marriages are arranged, it seems that this is not the case.
While it all seems fine and well, we need not remind you that the Amish are a small community. So of course, there is a limited supply. But in saying this, too, the Amish are allowed to marry only a certain type of someone.
What Do They Call Outsiders?
Just like in J.K. Rowling’s fantastical wizarding world, where non-magic folk are referred to as Muggles, there’s a similar concept within the Amish community. If you aren’t Amish, you’re considered “English.” Regardless of your skin color, ethnicity or background, you’re flatly referred to as “English.”
This stems from immigration patterns dating back hundreds of years. At the time, the Amish couldn’t call the outsiders Americans, because they themselves were American. So, you can see what the problem was. But this habit has stuck, like many other things which make the Amish community so unique.