Dec 20 2008 / Amish Trails of Western New York
by Fariddun Odinaev, Tajikistan (FLEX Program)
hosted in North Tonawanda, NY
In the world, there are lots of communities that want to be separate from the outside world. One of those communities is the Amish people.
They follow the rules that their grandparents followed. They don’t want to use new technology, such as TV, computer, internet, and the most important one, electricity, because they think it might separate them from their religion. They don’t want their daughters to marry a man who is not Amish. When their sons are 18 years old they can make a decision either to live with the other Amish people or go to live with the outside world (Not Amish).
The Amish are a very independent community and they come together and help each other. For example all the men come together to build a house for one another. Or all women come together and help the other to make something for her house. They also make antiques: clocks, rocking chairs, toys, blankets etc. Their religion is Christian. The Amish People are mostly seen in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Colorado, New York, Connecticut. Their home roots are in Switzerland.
Education: Amish people don’t send their children to a high school. They have their own schools, sometimes a one room school-house which is kids from 1st grade until 8th grade study in one room. When they finish 8th grade they graduate. But they have to finish their education until 11th grade. So they go to learn a trade such as how to build houses, and some other things that can help them for their future.
The Amish people don’t go to church, they go to the home of another Amish to practice their religion, which is every other Sunday. Men and women are in separate rooms for religious services. Also, according to their religion they are not allowed to take photos. Maybe they have the pictures of their family in their house but others aren’t allowed to take their picture.
Amish shops: They have their shops, such as a Quilt shop, Clock shop, Candy shop, Toy shop etc. usually next to their houses. It is amazing but hard to understand how they make all these things without modern technology. They bake cookies without electricity. When you see these things, you understand how they are smart. They sell the things that they make and live without any problem.
