Explaining the Amish Way of Life - VOA Story

Added: Aug 17, 2007

From: MyEarbot

Duration: 3:33

Not far from the hustle and bustle of city life live the Amish of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. These deeply religious people shun the conveniences of modern society to live a simpler life where transportation is a horse and buggy and horsepower really means horsepower. The Amish are very devout and take seriously the biblical commands to separate themselves from the things of the world including electricity. Power comes from propane, kerosene, wood, coal, or natural gas. As the world around the peaceful farmland changes, so have some of the traditions of the Amish. Transportation is no longer limited to horse-drawn buggies. "There is a division among the Amish over the automobile. One group got automobiles, another group kept the horse and buggy. we just simply name them old order -- drive the horse and buggy, and the new order -- drive the automobiles. They have electric, they have meeting houses and they don't have green shades." But many traditions remain. Amish children attend one-room schoolhouses through grade eight and farming is the mainstay of Amish life. There are normally two horses on a farm for buggies. Several mules are kept for farming. Milking is one of the most important sources of income on the farm. Many Amish leaders believe their separation from the outside world strengthens their community. And that community is thriving. Despite what many on the outside would describe as a backwards lifestyle, the Amish population in Lancaster County has almost tripled over the past half century.

Channel: Travel

Tags: amish  lancaster 

Rating: 4.69 (131 ratings)    Views: 91578' favoriteCount='151    Comments: 25

gigabytegangster Says:

Oct 5, 2008 - actually there is a chance for an amish person to watch this video they can become an outsider. I used to work with an amish crew and one of the guys told me that he had once left the amish way of life. But he returned to the amish ways. so thats one way I think an amish person could go about the internet. the amish are not totally in the dark. lol

Katekazoo Says:

Oct 8, 2008 - I admire your faith although i , myself am not faithfull.

Beatpoet7371 Says:

Oct 10, 2008 - The Amish remind me of a favorite TV series that ran when I was young, "Little House on the Prairie". I have great respect for them - they are wonderful people and hard workers.

crazyguy1913 Says:

Oct 11, 2008 - When things go bad in the U.S., and we lose power and money and the ways of how we live. The Amish are the ones we will look up to help us get back on are feet.

ingles13931 Says:

Oct 13, 2008 - i thing openairpreacher and amishkinship should both stop commenting because i dont think its very holy to be fighting when you are a preist or preacher or whatever they say they are.

ExperimentalArmy Says:

Oct 21, 2008 - its a free country, if someone wants to live a simple life, let them be. They let the teens choose weather to live their life or not as Amish people.

lfil28 Says:

Oct 24, 2008 - wow!!!!! They do this because religion? FUCKING IDIOTS!

spikefivefivefive Says:

Oct 25, 2008 - I agree. Just pay your fair share of taxes though like the rest of us.

mykiegreenwood Says:

Oct 26, 2008 - as if there was a carlot for the horse drawn carriages

MelisaRhiane Says:

Oct 27, 2008 - you are an idiot.

openairpreacher Says:

Oct 27, 2008 - ever seen a amish puppy mill? thats sells to labs? they are idiots

Myers42000 Says:

Oct 28, 2008 - They are children, women and animal abusers...and they get away with it. There are approximately 280 REGISTERED breeding facilities in Lancaster county. When they are done breeding these dogs, they are shot, drown and then spread on their fields. TOXIC soil growing food for humans? Don't care how they live, I DO care about the horrific abuse suffered because of their greed and ignorance. the breeding industry bring in millions of dollars for these "poor farmers" Adopt! don't shop!

solatuyax Says:

Oct 29, 2008 - good video,now lets go take our horses and buggies,and dont paid insurance or licnese plates much less permits.

lemob182 Says:

Oct 29, 2008 - hey you know what i think? and hey this is just me talkin here, i think we should get all those motherfuckers in one area and then fuckin bomb the place and then blame it on terrorists... Thats MY idea, if u dun like it then fuck you and your fat life.

nailed2thecross4me Says:

Oct 29, 2008 - They do pay taxes, property tax. They do not have insurances or pay into social security. They take care of thier own...

Audiomuse Says:

Nov 1, 2008 - I used to think they were idiots but now I find them fascinating.

olbigdik Says:

Nov 5, 2008 - lemob, what's up your ass, Jack? ease up, sounds like your mom sat on too many wangs

lolaboox3 Says:

Nov 6, 2008 - Uhm I just find this whole thing wierd.

trentspencerktm Says:

Nov 10, 2008 - Hell why not live in a cave? If your going to give up technology don't pick and choose.

PWRemnant Says:

Nov 10, 2008 - Amish are pathetic lol

Bastat17 Says:

Nov 12, 2008 - GO crap yourself. :D

margellini Says:

Nov 12, 2008 - it's better than blowing yourself up in an airplane, don't you think? you can't please everyone. suck it up.

lfil28 Says:

Nov 13, 2008 - nice you really showed me (sarcastic)

viXzen Says:

Nov 13, 2008 - hope there is some kind of sarcasm here? Oo

BallsackTBaghard Says:

Nov 20, 2008 - i churn butter once or twice...