Amish observe a variety of religious holidays, and some public holidays as well
Amish appreciate time off just as any other Americans do, in order to rest, spend time with family and for religious observation. The Amish holiday schedule differs somewhat from that of the typical American, however.
Public holidays
Amish generally do not celebrate public holidays, though may be granted days off from work depending on their employer. Amish do recognize Thanksgiving as well as New Year’s Day. In some settlements Amish might take in fireworks on the Fourth of July, for example. Amish do not observe Halloween, but may display decorative pumpkins (uncarved) and gourds during the autumn months.
Amish religious holidays
Among religious holidays, like other Christians, Amish celebrate Christmas, Easter, and Good Friday. Additional religious days observed by the Amish include Easter Monday, second Christmas on December 26th, Pentecost, and Ascension Day. Pentecost, Easter Monday, and second Christmas may not be celebrated in all communities (Enterprise, Kraybill/Nolt).
Horses wait outside an Amish school during the annual Christmas program
Amish typically do not have special church services on Easter Sunday or Christmas, for example, but will cover the appropriate parts of Scripture during the Sunday service closest to those days. Amish undergo fasting the day before communion in spring and autumn. Good Friday and St. Michael’s Day are days of fasting as well.
Amish exchange gifts at Christmas, though they do not put up a Christmas tree or teach children about Santa Claus. Some Amish schools may put on an annual Christmas school program. At Easter, Amish children may color eggs.
Work holiday schedules
Amish appreciate working for Amish employers, who follow the same holiday schedule and may grant employees time off for weddings. In Amish Enterprise, Kraybill and Nolt describe the schedule of an Amish entrepreneur who employs both Amish and non-Amish workers.
Among other free days, non-Amish employees are given time off for Memorial Day, July Fourth, and Labor Day. In place of these holidays, Amish are exempt from working on Ascension Day, Pentecost Monday, and Fall Fast Day.
For further information, see:
Amish Society, John A. Hostetler
The Riddle of Amish Culture, Donald B. Kraybill
Amish Enterprise: From Plows to Profits, Donald B. Kraybill and Steven M. Nolt
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6 responses to What holidays do Amish celebrate?
What is Saint Michael’s Day and what significance does it have for the Amish?
I’d appreciate an answer from someone!
Marilyn,
This article may answer your question.
http://www.amishnews.com/amisharticles/michael.htm
Just copy and paste into your browser.
St. MIchael’s Day (Michaelmas) is September 29th. As it is my name day, I know that, and in the ancient churches (Roman, Orthodox, Anglican), it is a special day marking a seasonal transition (kind of like “first day of autumn” for the church) as well as the feast day honoring the archangel. Why the Amish, a very protestant group, observes Michaelmas, I cannot tell you. It’s an interesting question, though.
What holidays do Amish celebrate?
The only holiday that I know of that the Unity ME Amish community celebrates besides their own birthdays is Thanksgiving. Not Christmas. I will ask Louella to make sure.
What holidays do Amish celebrate?
I live in Lancaster County, PA. As I was traveling to work this morning, there were MANY horse/buggies on the roadways very early. If I’m not mistaken, today is a religious holiday for the Amish but I cannot remember what it is … maybe All Souls Day. Does anyone know more about this? Thank you.
Amish holidays
The Amish holidays are the same ones still celebrated in Switzerland today, at least around Zurich where my daughter lives, though most of the activities have been secularized.
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