Category: Amish Lifestyle

Amish Youth in Traditional Clothing on Scooters

Amish Clothing: A Window into Tradition and Values

In the heart of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, the Amish community that has captivated the imagination of many with its simplicity and dedication to tradition. The distinctive Amish clothing and attire intrigues outsiders. Amish attire reflects not just a fashion choice, but a deep-seated commitment to cultural heritage and religious beliefs. 

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2024 Mud Sales You Don’t Want to Miss in Lancaster PA

Local Pennsylvania Fun, Food, and Festivities

Whether you’re a local or just visiting the Lancaster area and staying at our award winning hotel, mud sales are an exciting way to spend a spring or summer day. A tradition that has been around since the 1800s, mud sales are held throughout the Amish and Mennonite countryside of Lancaster County. These sales feature auctions, food vendors, and more. Although mud sales are traditionally in the spring, we also have a number of outside auctions in the fall as well. Plus, you can feel good about spending your money as these mud sales all benefit local fire departments or non-profits.

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Amish man plowing his field in Lancaster County

Where Do Amish People Live?

The first large group of Amish arrived in the U.S. in the early 1800s and settled in Lancaster County, PA, according to Learn Religions.

Pennsylvania has the largest population of Amish people, estimated at more than 81,000 in 2020 according to “Amish Population, 2020.”  (Young Center for Anabaptist and Pietist Studies, Elizabethtown College.) In fact, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, is home to approximately 30,000 Amish and their presence is a significant draw for tourism. Chester, York, Belleville, and Mifflin counties are also home to Amish communities.

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Christmas Traditions in Amish Country

Amish Country Christmas Traditions & Customs

The Christmas traditions in Amish Country are full of old-fashioned customs and activities that keep the holiday season alive. Christmas is a special time for many of us, but for the Amish, it’s a chance to come together and celebrate their culture. Whether you live nearby or plan on visiting one day soon, you won’t want to miss out on experiencing these unique holiday traditions for yourself! From candlelit decorations to special meals shared among family members or friends, it’s sure to be an unforgettable experience!  Let’s take a look at some of these unique holiday traditions.

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The Charm of Fall in Lancaster PA

Fall in Lancaster Pennsylvania is a must-see!

Enjoy the charm of fall in Lancaster PA. As the leaves begin to change colors and the weather gets colder, there’s no better place to be than in Lancaster Pennsylvania. With so many charming things to see and do, you’ll fall in love with fall, all over again. From taking in the sights of Lancaster County, to enjoying all the delicious local food, here’s why fall in Lancaster PA is a must-see.

One of a Kind Amish Country Tradition

Lancaster County is famous for its Amish community, which provides plenty of charming sights to see and adventures to experience. Take a horse and buggy ride through the rolling hills or visit an Amish farm for a taste of country living. You can also find plenty of local craftsmanship in the many shops around Lancaster County. Be sure to pick up some Thanksgiving decorations while you’re there! 

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Unique Vacation Ideas – Must Visit Hidden Gems in Amish Country

Top Reasons to Visit Amish Country PA on your Unique Vacation

If you’re like most people, you want your much deserved travel time to be used for a unique vacation that offer experiences that are very different than your everyday life. Your vacation should be relaxing, but also allow you to learn and experience different foods, music and cultures. With the changing world, it isn’t always easy to get out of the country to experience these things anymore. Fortunately, now you can have a unique vacation full of fun and unforgettable experiences with your family, without breaking the bank. The best part is that you can do that right here in the United States! Not in the US? Seeing and experiencing all that Pennsylvania’s Amish Country has to offer is definitely worth a trip over!

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Amish Farming Traditions Survive in 21st Century

A trip to Lancaster County is not complete without getting a firsthand look at Amish farming.  Whether you take in the views of the countryside on the Strasburg Railroad, drive down the winding roads of the eastern part of the county by car, or visit the tourist attractions such as  Plain & Fancy Farm, or The Amish Farm & House, you don’t want to miss this very integral part of  Lancaster County.

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Amish quilt

Types of Amish Quilts: Plan a Weekend in Lancaster to Learn More

In Amish and Mennonite communities, quilts mark milestones such as marriage and birth. The creativity, craftsmanship, and detail that goes into each quilt makes them highly desirable and valuable. Amish quilts are displayed in art museums, admired for their beauty and the skills needed to create them. Yet they also are available in local country stores.

What are the types of Amish quilts? In Lancaster, you will find Amish quilts in these general categories:

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Amish barn raising

How Do the Amish Dress? Learn More About Our Neighbors

The unique practices of Amish people make them one of North America’s most fascinating religious subcultures. Visitors to Lancaster County, PA, are often intrigued by the simpler way of life embraced by the Amish. Their way of dress is one of the most overt signs of simplicity.

How do the Amish dress? They adhere to the ordnung, a biblically-based expectation/blueprint that emphasizes separation from the English world and to be “non conformed.” Their manner of dress may vary among settlements, but generally can be described as modest and plain, without embellishments.

Some groups banish the use of buttons, zippers, and eye-and-hook fasteners, while other groups use them on their clothing. Fabrics are typically plain and muted hues of purple.

Their clothing is an outward form of their inward spirituality and is founded, partly, in the scripture: “Be not conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind that ye may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” (Romans 12:2)

This ordnung is not in writing but, instead, is taught verbally from one generation to the next among the Amish people. Specific details can vary across church districts and Amish settlements, according to “The Riddle of Amish Culture” by Donald B. Kraybill. Let’s take a closer look…

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