When I was young, bed courtship was practiced in my community. This meant that a young man would ask a young woman for a date, drive her to her home, put up his horse, and find his way to her upstairs bedroom where he would remove his hat, shoes, and outer shirt. It was acceptable to kiss and hug and […]
Amish Customs: Courtship Practices Read More »
I have written this on my blog before about the Amish culture, and I will again. Abuse can only exist in the dark shadows of silence and secrecy that shroud abuse in all cultures. However, the insular nature of Plain communities makes the silence so thick, it becomes nearly impenetrable. This makes it dauntingly difficult for a child or a
Film Series about Sexual Abuse among Plain People: “Sins of the Amish” Read More »
Continued from Amish Conference 2019: Health and Well-Being in Amish Society… Perpetrators who are found out within an Amish community normally make a public confession and the church members are required to “forgive and forget,” which wipes the slate clean, as if the incident had never occurred. This opens up the possibility for the abuse to occur again and
From the Inside Out: Reflections of Amish Traditions and Patterns, Part 2 Read More »
The other day I read an article published in a local paper in Aylmer, Ontario Canada called, Hydraulic printing press has been used by local Amish community for 50 years. This is a fascinating story about the way the Amish will adapt technology so that it fits their way of life. It is clear that this press will not be
Memories of Sundays in Winters of the Past Read More »
I apologize to those who do not understand my experience, unless you have walked in “our shoes” it probably does not make much sense. I love being “home” ! ~ Delmar Martin First I want to thank everyone for contributing to the lively discussion about the decision David and I are facing of where to choose to live. I had
‘Among’ the Amish but not ‘of’ Them Read More »
I grew up with the tradition of saying a silent prayer before and after each meal in my Amish family and community. Once we were gathered around our kitchen table, my father would say "Händt nunna" (Hands down) and we would all put our hands in our laps and bow our heads. When we heard my father's hands brushing up
Mealtime Prayer Traditions Read More »
