Understanding Amish. Understanding Amish 1 WANDA ANTOS, RN MONTGOMERY COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH 3/12/ /12/2014 2

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1 Understanding Amish WANDA ANTOS, RN MONTGOMERY COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH 3/12/ /12/ Understanding Amish 1

2 Over view of Montgomery County Population per 2010 census 50,219 1 Community College 1 Hospital Land area of 403 square miles 6 counties border 3/12/ /12/ Understanding Amish 2

3 History In 1693 a group of individuals, led by Jacob Ammann broke away from the Mennonite church and established the Amish church. Following the initial split,there have been further divisions and today there are several different denominations of Amish. Over 12,000 Amish live in New York making this the 5 th largest Amish population in the United States. Mohawk Valley is home to 5 distinct Amish settlements. Language spoken is Pennsylvania Dutch a form of German. 3/12/ /12/ Understanding Amish 3

4 Religious Beliefs As followers of the faith, the Amish believe that individuals should be baptized as adults age Believe in strict adherence of the Bible. The Bible is not open for interpretation and the rules and recommendations in it are taken literally and are not to be questioned. Churches consist of families, services are held in the homes on Sundays. 3/12/ Ordnung The Ordnung defines the rules and provides a blueprint for expected behavior. Each community has their own unique Ordnung that establishes the social order and defines the accepted beliefs and practices of that community. The Ordnung defines boundaries for the extent a community may interact with the English. 3/12/ Understanding Amish 4

5 Immunizations Immunizations are NOT prohibited by the Amish religion but, are rarely mentioned in the Ordnung. Many Amish people are un-or under-immunized and there have been several outbreaks of diseases in Amish Communities. Believe that the will of God will determine when and who will get an illness or be injured. Some Amish tend not to use preventive care resulting in lack of immunizations. Do not have health insurance. 3/12/ Transportation Use horse and buggies. Will travel by car if deemed necessary. Car is driven by a non-amish person. Will ride school buses from Amish school to Amish school for presentations. Some children do ride public school buses to school if distance is an issue. 3/12/ Understanding Amish 5

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7 Education Attend one room school houses. Typical day is 9-4 with an AM recess, a lunch and an afternoon recess. Grades 1 st 8 th Walk, ride scooters or buggies to school. Usually taught by one teacher; larger schools may have two teachers. Special needs students t in some schools are often taught, in a separate location within the school. 3/12/ /12/ Understanding Amish 7

8 Family Life Divorce is not permitted and separation is rare. Young men are clean shaven prior to marriage. Married men are required to let their beards grow. Pregnancy is a very private matter. Some Amish women do deliver at a hospital but, many give birth in a home with a midwife. Families are large. Chores are clearly divided by sexual role in the Amish home. 3/12/ Understanding Amish 8

9 Dress Clothing is homemade. Solid dark material is used. Men wear felt hats for dress and in the winter. Straw hats are worn for work and in the summer. Women wear bonnets called a covering either white or black. Women s dresses are closed with pins and covered with a cape on the bodice. 3/12/ /12/ Understanding Amish 9

10 Technology The Amish are adverse to technology they feel this weakens the family structure. It is common for families to share a phone in a wooden shanty between farms. Propane or kerosene is used in homes as a source for cooking, lighting, refrigeration, and milk house cooling. 3/12/ /12/ Understanding Amish 10

11 Conclusion Please remember that all Amish Communities are different. Take every opportunity available to learn more about the Communities in your area. Respect their beliefs and practices. Develop a relationship with them by being upfront and honest. 3/12/ References Kate Rose Bobseine (2006) Working with the Amish Communities in New York State: Tips for Health Professionals. Presentation. Amish America internet source Amish Dress internet source hi i h t Albrecht Powell Amish 101 Amish Culture,Beliefs and Lifestyle Amish midwife and husband from Montgomery County, personal interview 3/12/ Understanding Amish 11

12 QUESTIONS 3/12/ Understanding Amish 12