Take a Sunday drive on a rolling country road in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania and prepare yourself for a real treat. A beautiful horse drawn buggy, or dozens of them may come upon your path. This article will briefly look at the Amish people of Pennsylvania and their unique way of life.
The Amish, or "plain people" as they are often called, trace their roots to German and Swiss ancestors. They are predominantly farmers and skilled craftsmen, and have been working the rich soil of Lancaster and surrounding counties of south central Pennsylvania for hundreds of years. The traditional Amish, referred to as the old order, prefer a very simple life. They do not own or use automobiles or modern farm equipment. Their clothing is plain, even preferring buttons over the use of zippers. They are deeply devout in the faith, but you will not drive upon large Amish churches in the towns and small villages. Every other Sunday, they assemble for worship and community fellowship at a different members' home. If you are fortunate to be taking your ride on a visiting Sunday, as they call it, you may see literally hundreds of buggies throughout the country lanes. The Amish are private people and do not seek attention based upon the lifestyle that they lead. The strong family values and sense of community that they cherish have resulted in their numbers increasing, tripling their population in the last 40 years.
The Amish of Pennsylvania continue to fascinate, with their unique and simple way of life. A visit to Lancaster and the surrounding communities where they live and work the land displays their deep love of God, family, and neighbor.
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