Some background information for my Novel

Amish History and the beginnings- Reformation and to what?

The Amish are a religious group that originated as part of the Anabaptist movement. They started in Europe during the 16th century, specifically during the time of the Protestant Reformation. The Reformation was a period of significant religious upheaval in Europe. They were sparked by figures like Martin Luther and John Calvin, who challenged the Catholic Church’s authority and practices. The Anabaptists, including the Amish, arose out of this reform movement, but with a distinct interpretation of Christianity.

Origins of the Amish:

The Amish trace their roots back to the Anabaptists. This is a group that rejected infant baptism in favor of adult baptism. And believing that individuals should make a conscious decision to follow Christ. The Anabaptists were radical reformers who believed that the state should not control the church. And that the church should be a voluntary, separate community of believers. This was seen as highly controversial at the time. Therefore many Anabaptists were persecuted by both the Catholic and Protestant authorities.

In the early 1600s, a key figure in the formation of the Amish was Jacob Ammann, a Swiss Anabaptist leader. The Amish split from other Anabaptists in 1693 because of disagreements. Disagreements over how to live out the principles of their faith. This was particularly related to shunning. Which was the practice of excluding members who did not live according to the group’s rules. As well as the practice of communion. Ammann’s followers became known as the Amish. They believed in strict separation from the world and living a more simple lifestyle. And leading that humble lifestyle was an essential part of their Christian faith.

The Amish Reformation:

Rather than being part of the broader Protestant Reformation, the Amish were reforming within the Anabaptist movement itself. They were not breaking away from Catholicism. But from the more mainstream Anabaptists. Those who were more lenient in their approach to church discipline and worldliness.

Ammann’s reforms focused on the following:

1. Shunning (Meidung): A strict practice of social excommunication for those who violate the rules of the community.
2. Pacifism: The Amish have long rejected violence, including serving in the military, due to their belief in non-resistance.
3. Simple Living: They emphasized humility and the rejection of modern, worldly influences. This is why the Amish still avoid certain technologies. Technologies like electricity, cars, and phones to maintain a separation from the world.

The Amish in America:

The Amish began migrating to North America, primarily in the 18th century, seeking religious freedom and better economic opportunities. They settled mainly in Pennsylvania, and from there, they spread to other parts of the U.S. and Canada.

Their life has remained largely unchanged from the late 1600s, with an emphasis on agricultural life, community, and church. Though small in number, the Amish have maintained their way of life through strict community rules. As well as a strong commitment to their faith and traditions.

Key Beliefs and Practices:

The Amish believe in living a simple, modest lifestyle, in line with their interpretation of the Bible. They practice non-violence, emphasize community (often within a large extended family), and reject modernity, at least in terms of technology and certain social structures. They also believe in adult baptism, church discipline, and a strong sense of humility.

In summary, the Amish came to be as a distinct group within the larger Anabaptist movement. They were not breaking from Catholicism during the Protestant Reformation, but instead, they were reforming within a reform movement to emphasize separation from the world, strict church discipline, and a simple lifestyle.

The First Amish-and the most conservative of the Amish

The first Amish were a group of Anabaptists led by Jacob Ammann, a Swiss minister, in the late 17th century. Ammann and his followers broke away from the Swiss Brethren (a faction of Anabaptists) in 1693 due to disagreements over church practices, particularly the enforcement of shunning (or excommunication) and the approach to communion. These followers became known as the Amish, a name derived from Jacob Ammann’s surname.

Ammann believed in stricter rules for the community and church discipline, which led to the Amish Reformation, marking the official formation of the Amish as a distinct group within the broader Anabaptist movement.

The First Amish Communities:

The first Amish communities were established in Switzerland, Alsace (part of modern-day France), and parts of the Palatinate region of Germany. These early Amish communities focused on:

1. Non-resistance: A commitment to pacifism, rejecting any form of violence or involvement in the military.
2. Adult Baptism: Like other Anabaptists, the Amish rejected infant baptism and practiced baptism only for adult believers.
3. Shunning: Amish communities practiced shunning, or the exclusion of those who did not follow the rules of the church, as a means of maintaining purity and discipline within the community.

By the early 18th century, many Amish families began migrating to North America, particularly to Pennsylvania, seeking religious freedom and a chance to live out their faith without persecution.

Most Conservative Amish Groups:

There are various Amish groups, each with different levels of conservatism, particularly regarding the use of technology and lifestyle choices. The most conservative Amish traditions tend to have strict rules about technology, dress, and separation from mainstream society. The key groups considered the most conservative include:

1. Old Order Amish:
   • The Old Order Amish are the largest group and remain among the most conservative. They avoid modern conveniences like electricity, cars, and telephones, believing that these technologies would disrupt their simple, communal way of life.
   • They emphasize horse-drawn buggies, plain clothing (typically dark colors, no bright patterns), and adherence to traditional farming practices.
   • Their church services are often held in private homes or barns, and they maintain strict separation from the world.
2. Swartzentruber Amish:
   • The Swartzentruber Amish are among the most conservative within the Old Order Amish. They reject almost all modern technology, including even some modern farming equipment, and remain extremely isolated from mainstream society.
   • They are particularly known for their strict dress codes (e.g., men wearing dark suits, women wearing long, plain dresses with no buttons, and no use of any form of cosmetic enhancement).
   • Swartzentruber communities often use horse-drawn buggies that are simpler and more traditional than those of other Amish groups, and they tend to reject even things like electric-powered tools that other Amish might accept.
3. Marke Amish:
   • Another highly conservative group, the Marke Amish is found primarily in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Indiana. Like the Swartzentrubers, they hold firm to traditional practices, emphasizing modesty, separation from modern society, and the rejection of technologies that could influence the spiritual life of their communities.

These conservative Amish groups believe that remaining separate from the outside world is essential for preserving their faith and the Amish way of life. They hold traditional church practices and lifestyles in high regard, and their communities tend to remain small and tight-knit. The stricter the Amish group, the more they will resist changes to their way of life, holding onto traditions passed down through generations.

In short, the first Amish were the followers of Jacob Ammann, who separated from other Anabaptists in the late 17th century. The most conservative Amish today include the Swartzentruber Amish and the Old Order Amish, who maintain strict separation from the world, reject modern technologies, and emphasize traditional, simple living.

Amish Communities in NYS

There are Swiss Amish communities in New York State, although they are not as large or as well-known as Amish communities in Pennsylvania or Ohio. The Amish in New York are generally part of the larger Old Order Amish or related groups, but there are some Swiss Amish families in the state.

Amish migration to New York State began in the early 19th century, particularly in the western and central parts of the state. The Amish in New York tend to settle in more rural areas where they can continue their agricultural lifestyle, and many of them are in the Finger Lakes region and areas near Chautauqua County.

While the Swiss Amish are often associated with the origins of the Amish faith (since Jacob Ammann, a Swiss Anabaptist leader, was the founder of the Amish sect), Amish communities in New York are more typically from a mix of Swiss, German, and other European roots.

In New York, Amish communities vary in their level of conservatism:

• More conservative groups like the Swartzentruber Amish and Old Order Amish can be found in some parts of the state.
• Swiss Amish communities, while smaller, still maintain traditional Amish practices, focusing on farming, family, and church life, and avoiding modern technology.

The Amish population in New York is smaller than in states like Pennsylvania, but it has been steadily growing. In general, Amish communities in New York are not as concentrated or as widely recognized as those in other states, but they do exist in rural areas, especially in Chautauqua County, Cattaraugus County, and other parts of the western and central regions of New York State

Being born as an Englisher and possibly being accepted to the Amish community

It is possible to join the Amish community as an adult, but it is not a simple or quick process. The Amish are a closed religious community that values tradition, separation from the world, and strong communal ties, so being accepted requires a deep commitment to their beliefs and lifestyle. Here’s a general idea of how it works:

1. Conversion Process:

The Amish do not actively proselytize or seek converts in the same way many other religious groups do. However, if someone is interested in becoming Amish, the process often involves the following:

• Learning the Faith: You would need to become deeply familiar with Amish teachings, beliefs, and practices. This could take several years, as Amish beliefs are woven into every aspect of daily life—such as their understanding of the Bible, church services, and communal living.
• Living the Amish Way: It is important for anyone wanting to join the Amish to live in alignment with Amish practices. This includes adopting their modest dress code, using horse-drawn buggies instead of cars, rejecting modern technology like electricity, and following strict rules around work, community life, and family.
• Spending Time in the Community: Prospective converts are usually expected to spend time living among the Amish and experiencing daily life firsthand. This is often referred to as “Rumspringa,” a period where young Amish people (traditionally teens) experience the outside world before deciding to fully join the church. In some cases, adults who want to join may also undergo a form of this process to test their commitment.
• Baptism: A crucial step in becoming Amish is being baptized into the Amish church. Baptism in the Amish faith is done as an adult after a person has committed to living according to the teachings and rules of the Amish community.

2. Challenges of Joining the Amish:

• Cultural Differences: For someone not born Amish, adapting to their lifestyle and practices can be challenging. This includes adopting a simple life, often with no modern conveniences, and completely changing one’s approach to family, work, and relationships.
• Community Acceptance: Even if a person is committed to the Amish lifestyle, they must be accepted by the local Amish church community. The Amish place a great deal of emphasis on community and unity, and acceptance is often based on how well a person can integrate into the existing social fabric of the group.
• Separation from Former Life: Once someone decides to join the Amish, they typically sever ties with their former life, including their family and friends outside the community. This separation can be emotionally difficult, as it means giving up modern conveniences, relationships, and sometimes one’s former identity.
• Strict Lifestyle and Rules: The Amish community is deeply committed to their values of humility, obedience, and separation from the world. New members would need to adhere to these principles strictly, which can be difficult for someone who was not raised in the community.

3. Rumspringa and Joining as an Adult:

Although Rumspringa is traditionally associated with Amish youth, it can also apply to adults who wish to join the community. In this period, individuals are often encouraged to live like the Amish (without full membership) and see if they are truly committed to their faith and lifestyle before being baptized and fully accepted.

4. Challenges with Modern-Day Rules:

The Amish are generally conservative in their approach to modern society, meaning that someone who was born outside the community may face an especially difficult journey. While some Amish communities are more accepting of outsiders joining, others may be more closed-off and reluctant to allow newcomers to integrate.

Conclusion:

It is possible to join the Amish, but it is not a decision to be taken lightly. Involving a long and difficult process of learning and adapting to the Amish way of life, adhering to strict religious and social rules, and being accepted by the community. It is not a matter of simply converting like in other religions, but a deep commitment to change one’s life in profound and often radical ways.

Long Island and the Amish

It is unlikely that Long Island would have a large Amish community due to several factors that make it less ideal for the traditional Amish way of life. Here are some reasons why:

1. Urbanization and Population Density:

• Long Island is heavily urbanized and densely populated, particularly in areas like Nassau and Suffolk Counties. Amish communities generally seek rural areas where they can maintain their agricultural lifestyle and have space for farming and living away from the modern world.
• The Amish prefer living in small, close-knit communities where they can practice their faith and lifestyle in isolation from mainstream society. Long Island’s urban environment and high cost of living would not support these needs very well.

2. Land and Farming Opportunities:

• The Amish typically settle in regions where agriculture is a central part of their economy. While there are farms on Long Island, the land is expensive, and many areas are zoned for suburban development rather than agriculture.
• Amish communities usually require large areas of land for farming, which can be difficult to find on Long Island due to its high property values and development pressure.

3. Technological and Social Isolation:

• One of the key features of Amish life is a separation from modern technology. Long Island is a hub of technological development and modern conveniences, making it less conducive to Amish values of simplicity and non-integration with the outside world.
• The Amish typically live without electricity, modern vehicles, and telephones, preferring horse-drawn buggies and simpler tools. In contrast, Long Island is known for its technological and transportation infrastructure, which would pose a challenge for the Amish to remain separate.

4. Cultural and Community Considerations:

• Amish communities are typically built around shared religious beliefs, values, and practices. There is not currently a strong Amish presence in New York State as a whole, and Amish communities tend to form in more rural and conservative areas rather than in places like Long Island, which is more diverse and secular.
• The cost of living on Long Island, with its high housing costs and proximity to New York City, would make it difficult for an Amish community to sustain itself. The Amish prefer to live in places with affordable land where they can focus on farming and community life.

Possible Alternatives:

While it’s unlikely that a traditional Amish community would settle on Long Island, other forms of Anabaptist groups or small Mennonite communities might be found in more rural areas of New York State. These groups may not adhere to all of the strict Amish rules but still maintain many of the same values of simplicity, community, and separation from mainstream society.

Given the urbanized environment, high cost of land, and lack of agricultural opportunities, it is unlikely that Long Island would have a traditional Amish community. The Amish tend to settle in rural, affordable areas where they can live simply and focus on agriculture, which is harder to achieve in a densely populated region like Long Island. However, smaller Mennonite or Anabaptist groups might be a more realistic possibility for the region.

Hypothetical to start my novel

If a man in the English world on Long Island went into NYC for a day with friends in the 1940s and was walking down the Avenue and saw from across the street a woman who caught his eye, who happened to be Amish (not to his knowing) because she was on her Rumspringa and allowed to dress like an Englisher. Would they be able to keep in contact with one another after she returned and stayed within the Amish community because it was where she was comfortable and what she knew? Also only truly only have a limited education. Then in keeping in touch his and her hearts grow deeper in love (ie absence makes the heart grow fonder). Is it possible for him to leave his Swiss family on Long Island for love and to move to Amish Country, a Swiss Amish community upstate to be with his true love yet have contact- albeit limited- with his family?

This is a very interesting and romantic scenario, and it touches on some cultural and practical issues that are relevant to both the Amish and “English” (non-Amish) communities. While it is theoretically possible for such a situation to unfold, it would be extremely challenging due to the strict boundaries and cultural values upheld by the Amish.

Here’s how things might play out in your scenario:

1. Initial Contact and Rumspringa:

• Rumspringa is a period in Amish youth when they are allowed more freedom to explore the outside world before deciding whether to fully commit to the Amish faith through baptism. During this time, they might dress like “Englischers” (non-Amish), use modern technology, and engage in activities that are typically not allowed in Amish life.
• If a young Amish woman were on her Rumspringa in NYC and caught the attention of an “English” man, it is possible they could meet and develop a relationship. However, the Amish would typically expect those on Rumspringa to eventually return to the community and adhere to its teachings after this period ends.

2. Returning to Amish Life:

• After her Rumspringa, the woman would likely return to her Amish community, where she would be expected to follow Amish customs, including modesty in dress, limited interaction with the outside world, and rejecting modern technology.
• The Amish have strict rules about communication with outsiders. Once a member is baptized and committed to the Amish faith, they are generally expected to avoid outside relationships and influences, and their social circle would remain almost entirely within the Amish community. This means that it would be difficult for the woman to maintain regular communication with her “English” suitor once she returns to the Amish life.
• The Amish also discourage romantic relationships with outsiders, as it could pose a challenge to the close-knit nature of their community and faith. If the relationship continued, it would be seen as a serious breach of their customs, and the woman might face consequences, such as being shunned or excluded from the community.

3. The English Man Moving to Amish Country:

• For the English man to leave his life in Long Island and move to an Amish community upstate to be with the woman, would be extraordinarily difficult. The Amish way of life is very different from mainstream society, and the man would have to fully adopt the Amish lifestyle, including rejecting modern technology, learning their language (often Pennsylvania Dutch), and adhering to their religious practices. This transition is rarely easy for someone who was not raised Amish.
• While religious conversion to the Amish faith is possible, it is not common. The Amish generally do not actively seek converts, and someone from the “English” world would have to be completely committed to their way of life. Even if he were willing to give up his modern lifestyle and integrate into the Amish community, the process would likely be very slow and challenging.
• Moreover, the Amish are known for their tight-knit community. If the man were to leave his family and try to integrate into the Amish way of life, he would be seen as an outsider, and his ability to maintain connections with his Swiss family on Long Island would be very limited. The Amish generally limit contact with the outside world and would discourage or even forbid such communication.

4. Practical and Social Barriers:

• The lack of education and the cultural gap would be significant obstacles. The Amish value practical education focused on farming and daily skills, but formal education is limited, especially beyond elementary school. An outsider would have a lot of learning to do to adapt to Amish values and expectations.
• Limited contact with his family would also be a difficult challenge. Amish communities are highly private, and even if the man moved to Amish Country, he would have to give up a lot of the conveniences and relationships he has in the “English” world. Long-term communication would be very limited, and visits to his family would likely be restricted.

5. The Power of Love and Absence:

• While love can sometimes lead people to make significant changes in their lives, this situation would be very difficult for both parties. The woman would likely be pressured to marry within her Amish community and would be expected to follow the faith of her family. The man would face enormous cultural and religious barriers to becoming Amish, including giving up his family, his way of life, and his modern conveniences.
• However, if the love between them was strong enough, there might be a possibility of the woman breaking away from the Amish community, which is rare but has happened in some cases where individuals feel they cannot live within the constraints of Amish life. But this would likely mean being shunned by her family and the Amish community. She might be able to stay in touch with her former suitor, but she would face challenges with her faith and social acceptance.

While it’s a romantic and compelling idea, the reality of such a situation would be incredibly complex and unlikely. The Amish community has strict cultural and religious rules that would make it very difficult for the couple to maintain their relationship once she returns to her Amish life. Similarly, for the man to leave his “English” world and join the Amish community would be an immense challenge, and even if he were to do so, maintaining contact with his family would be difficult. The Amish generally view such situations as a conflict between their religious and social values and the outside world, making the scenario improbable but not entirely impossible, given the strength of love and determination on both sides.

In closing for the day, this is some background information for my Novel. Although a fictional novel, it can be based on facts. Therefore more believable and relatable to my reader.