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Monday, May 5, 2008

Amish Etiquette -- as Taught by our Furniture-making Friends

If you're visiting Amish country, it's natural that you might wonder just how to act. While the Amish are really quite friendly and approachable, there are a few social taboos that could get just about any city slicker in trouble with their simpler-living friends.

Here's a short list of do's and don'ts to watch you for:


1. Careful with the camera

The Amish are quiet people, some of them are shy, and some believe cameras to be a positive sin. At the very minimum, they see picture-taking as a show of pride, and do not allow pictures of themselves. They may allow you to photograph their homes, farms or buggies if you ask respectfully. This might be a good time to bring out your telephoto lens, if you have one. Taking pictures of the back of a buggy may also be safe, but overall, be careful with the camera. They generally won't appreciate it if you start snapping pictures of them or their children.

2. Watch out for slow-moving buggies

It pays to be especially careful at night. Give the horses and buggies plenty of room when passing, and avoid using your horn (it might spook the horses). Keeping your headlights on low beam is also a good idea.

3. Let them know you respect them

This means to avoid staring, gawking, or otherwise being disrespectful. Don't feed or pet their horses, don't enter their property without permission, and if you do approach a group of Amish, speak to a male, if possible, first. If you really want to learn more about the Amish, become a customer of one of their businesses.

Over the years, we have enjoyed good conversation and friendship with the Amish craftsmen who build our furniture products. The Amish we have worked with don't mind if we take pictures of log furniture they built, but they themselves do not want to be in the picture. They have been a pleasure to work with. They are hard-working, conscientious, and even have a sense of humor.

If you are visiting Amish country, or live near an Amish community, get to know these interesting neighbors. Their friendship will likely be a pleasure to you, and, in the fast-paced life that many of us live, there is much to be learned from the Amish emphasis on family values and the simple life.

by: Log Cabin Rustics

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