How do you count to ten in Pennsylvania Dutch? In the video below by Virgil Schrock you can hear a variety of speakers doing just that, in different accents. The video also includes a little bit of 11-20. There is a cute segue about 2/3 through, with a young Amish boy doing his own counting, but not in PA Dutch. Listen to the end, where you’ll…
In today’s post, Janneken Smucker discusses Fraktur, an art form once popular among the Pennsylvania German people. — Fraktur and Family Records Among the decorative items in some Amish homes—both today and in the past—have been ornamental family records, some stitched, some inked, some produced on painted glass (a unique genre that clearly deserves its own post!). These records mark marriages, births, and baptisms, and…
Following up last week’s look at 10 popular Amish male names, we have the Amish female version as promised. As with the male names list, I’ve included five Biblical-origin names, and five non-Biblical ones, since Amish tap both sources. At the end, I’ve also included 10 uncommon female names. While last week I mainly relied on Raber’s Almanac to find male first names, that approach wouldn’t…
For whatever reason, I barely pulled out my camera while in Lancaster County last month. But reader Ed C. also happened to be there, about a week before me, and has a beautiful set of photos to share with you today. As you’ll see below, his trip started off snowy, but that gave way to warmer weather. He includes nice shots of the Bart Township Fire Company…
Do Hutterites go to high school? Who teaches in Hutterite classrooms? Is Hutterite schooling similar to Amish education? You asked Linda Maendel a number of questions on education on our Hutterite questions post. Linda, who happens to be a teacher in her Manitoba colony, addresses that topic today. — On Hutterite Learning Each colony has its own school and for most of these non-Hutterite teachers come in and teach the…
What would you say are the most common Amish men’s names? As we saw in the Amish Name Game post, names repeat themselves among the Amish–not just surnames, but first names as well. Unsurprisingly, Biblical names are popular among the Amish, both from the Old and New Testament. Some given names, however, have little or no connection with the Bible. Below, you’ll find ten men’s and boys’ first names frequently…
What are the benefits and pitfalls of a marriage based on Biblical concepts of submission? Jim Cates is back today with part 3 of his series on Amish women, with a look at submission in marriage. If you missed them, you can also catch up with part 1 and 2 of Jim’s posts on Amish women. Submission and Responsibility Stanley Milgram was an unassuming man whose studies…
A few months ago we shared excerpts from 1001 Questions & Answers On The Christian Life, a small but broad book outlining Amish beliefs. I think many readers appreciated that look at Amish Christian thought and practice. For example, one reader commented on 1001 Questions that “These answers are not just for the Amish. Every Christian should read this book.” Another described it as “a wonderful book to help on…
For various reasons, I haven’t visited many Amish settlements lately. I managed just one trip in 2014 (though to a nice place). But my recent visit to a new–for me–community (Somerset County, PA) reminded me how much I enjoy visiting new Amish places. A little while ago I even put together a short list of settlements I’d like to visit. When I recently asked for your ideas, Al in KY suggested the same…
Are you surprised that the Amish-backed Bank of Bird-in-Hand has (so far) been a success? According to an article in the Wall Street Journal, the bank has amassed more than $60 million in loans in its first year of business. In 2013, Bank of Bird-in-Hand was reported to be the first new US bank since 2010, when the Dodd-Frank financial regulatory law was enacted. Now in 2015, it’s…