1. What comes to mind when you think of the word “Amish?”

2. Baptism and Marriage
Between the ages of 16 and 25, young Amish men and women are expected to get baptized to become full-fledged members of the church. Until this happens, they are not allowed to marry. However, once they’ve been baptized they can only marry someone from their own church community.

3. Marriage
When living among the Amish, marriage is a must. There is no single and independent lifestyle within the church. All members are expected to be baptized and wed by a certain time, otherwise there can be consequences.

4. Code of Non-Violence
The Amish follow a strict code of non-violence and reject any form of violence from their community. Considered to be strict pacifists, the Amish men do not enlist in the military.

5. Faceless Dolls
Most Amish children grow up with dolls that are faceless, which is due to the Amish rejecting any form of vanity, as well as pride. It’s believed without a face, the child will not grow up with the wrong set of priorities.

6. Rumspringa
Rumspringa is a limited period of time that can last up to a year, when an Amish child turns sixteen. During this period of time they are allowed to go out into the world and experience all it has to offer, and then determine whether or not they will return to the Amish community. 

7. A Woman’s Place
In the Amish community, the role of an Amish woman is to be a wife, mother and a homemaker. Most Amish women submit to their husbands and let him make most of the decisions.

8. The Amish believe in a full separation of church and state, despite believing the word of God is supreme law. Most Amish affiliate with the Republican party, although some have been known to take a more liberal stance.

9. No Photography Please
The Amish are very adamant about not having their picture taken. This is because they believe a photo is a fixed image and unnatural. Amish are VERY superstitious and believe photos can open one’s soul to the devil.

10. Lower Cancer Rates
Because of their rejection of modern conveniences and simpler way of life, the Amish community is known to have a lower rate of cancer. This is due to the fact all of their food is grown within the community and they do a lot of physical activity.