Locational Characteristics
What clothing is appropriate for me to wear if I settle in Pennsylvania? Answer: Plain dresses and a simple living are part of our culture. We also have full skirts, long sleeves, aprons, capes, and bonnets. These are additions to our dresses, which are in solid colors, for women. Men should also dress simply with dark clothes and usually grow beards after marriage. Children should dress in a manner similar to their parents. What modes of transportation are available? Answer: We use horse and buggy, as well as carriages. Economic Opportunities What types of jobs are available? Answer: Jobs are available in the farming industry, especially in family sized farms. Other industries, though limited, have opportunities as well. I know there is religious freedom in Pennsylvania, but what sort of economic freedom is present in Amish communities? Answer: The Amish do not participate in paying taxes. Additionally, banks are used as a method of expressing economic freedom. Therefore, yes, there is indeed economic freedom present within Amish communities. Community Advancement What type of education is provided within Amish communities? Answer: Education is valued greatly in our communities. Most often, however, children go to public schools outside of the Amish communities. Also, children usually leave school at the age of fourteen in order to work on family farms. In addition, children have the option of being baptized. Normally, four to five children, out of seven to ten children in a family, become baptized. What sorts of family roles are there? Answer: Age is a factor in our society that is greatly considered. Those of an elder age tend to be cared for more, since they require it. Also, more respect is given to those of elder age. In terms of gender roles, the fathers of the house may not go to war, hold public office, or swear oaths. Women may not leave their hair out of the bun, as we believe it should always be covered in a prayer offering. The main person in the house is generally the father, closely followed by the eldest son. Soon after come mothers, then daughters. Nonetheless, respect is given to one and all that are in our communities. Societal Administration Is there a form of government that is specific to the Amish? Answer: It is a proprietary colony, meaning that William Penn has complete control over the colony as long as he abides by the English rules. He is trying to create more rights for the people. The Amish have specific rights such as not having to participate in government social programs, such as SSNs and Commercial Insurance. We have no taxes as well. Our districts are led by bishops, ministers, and deacons. By whom and when was the colony founded? Answer: William Penn founded this colony for Quakers in 1681 to allow religious tolerance. Organization of the Colony How is the colony structured? Answer: Churches that were built between the late 18th and early 19th centuries are used. Germans, like me, who immigrated to the colonies, live in structured communities. Generally, we form townships along with fellow church members. Interestingly, our first settlement consisted of 200 residents. What do people do in their free time? Answer: Debates consist of a majority of our time spent. We discuss topics such as dress code, technology, and others. For women, knitting, cooking, and arts are a main of interest, while the men are more focused in physical sports. |