Do Amish women cut their hair?
Do Amish people ever wear sneakers or athletic shoes?
What are broadfall trousers?
What’s the difference between a bonnet and a kapp?
This week, a look at questions on the Amish and plain clothing:
Why do Amish women cover their heads?
The practice of head covering is derived from 1 Corinthians 11: 5-6 – “But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered dishonoureth her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven. For if the woman be not covered, let her also be shorn: but if it be a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be covered.”
Do Amish wear sneakers or athletic shoes?
Some do wear comfortable trainers or sneakers, women and men included. Usually they are of a plain black color. Skecher’s is a popular brand in some communities.
What’s the difference between a bonnet and a kapp?
The kapp is often mislabeled a “bonnet”. The kapp, also referred to as a prayer covering, is the typically white covering worn by Amish women directly over the hair. Bonnets are larger, typically black, and worn over the kapp, usually when outdoors. If worn by a young girl the kapp may be black in some communities.
The kapp varies in style across communities. The Lancaster kapp has a distinctive heart shape, while those worn by Amish women in Midwestern communities have straight pleated sides which end in a rounded top.
Do Amish make their own clothes?
Some Amish do make their own clothes, particularly women’s dresses. Some Amish do wear clothing off the rack however, such as shirts for men.
Read the full list here.
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Simple People
I see the Amish as simple people, they buy what they need. We in America buy what we want. There is a big $ difference from need and want. We could learn from them some very good lessons about life from the Amish. Today there is no way I could be Amish, there has been many days I wish I could become Amish. I enjoy watching the Amish and admire them for many things. They respect the Lord.
Thanks for your commment, Dick. Amish have become wealthier (including liquid wealth) due to business success, so there are now probably more wants being satisfied in some households, in addition to needs. But I think you point out some good things about the Amish as a whole. It’s good to be motivated to work and achieve, but learning to be content is important too.
Respecting and honoring the Amish and Mennonite population
Most of us are led to believe that the Amish and Mennonite are peaceful, God loving people. They are percieved fair, kind and good. However, what is never mentioned is how they are 100% against the millitary. Amish and Mennonite do not serve our country. They are exempt because it is against their religious belief. I believe it is unfair how they live and vastly multiply in a country that protects them from harm and allows them religious freedom, yet they will not defend this country from those that would fracture that protection.
Amish Clothing
I know for a fact that Amish girls strive to become the best seamstresses possible. I am proud to report that the two oldest daughters of my best friends, to whom I gave Singer treadle machines, have been making their own dresses and aprons for a couple of years now. One of them has even been making shirts for her “significant other.” I’ve seen them and I can’t tell them from those manufactured by the best shirt manufacturers in the English world. The third girl was given one last year and she is still in the learning stage on it.
My “Amish family” fills me with joy and pleasure and I’m thankful for them allowing me to be a part of their tradition and lives. The oldest boy and his wife recently presented my wife and me with a new baby girl – the most beautiful little baby I’ve ever seen. Little Lisa Marie now has more hand crocheted blankets than she’ll ever use. And, Claudia hasn’t stopped making them.
I recently picked up another Singer machine for a fourth girl but it lacks the treadle. I’ll keep looking for one…’til I find it!