The Amish have made Pennsylvania their home since immigration to Pennsylvania began in 1727 and continued rapidly through 1770 due to William Penn’s offer of religious freedom in the American colony of Pennsylvania. The Amish quickly settled into farming because this rural lifestyle made it easier for them to keep their distance from religious non-believers. As their numbers grew, Amish settlements were established in many other states, as well as in Canada. These plain dressed people have no intentions of changing their style of clothing as it emphasizes that the Amish person is separate from the non-Amish world. Their buggy promotes equality and limits travel, keeping communities together. The lantern, a non-electric light, does not require connections outside of the community. There home and social life has remained virtually the same throughout time, but modern technology has become acceptable so long as it is for business or practical reasons, but never for indulgence, desire or entertainment. Listening to music or news (including dentistry news) on a stereo while doing chores would be considered a needless distraction. Any technology that is seen as degrading family or spiritual life is rejected entirely. Television brings questionable values to the home, so it is not even a consideration in the Amish home. When these people decide to marry, their weddings take place after the fall harvest. November is the favored month because the winter weather has not yet begun. At the tender age of sixteen, courtship begins, but couples will likely be twenty or older when they finally exchange vows. The couple planning to marry must be church members, and blue is the favored color for a wedding dress. The newly married couple has a honeymoon that consists of weekend overnight visits to various relatives, during which new acquaintances are made and wedding gifts are presented. The newlyweds live with the woman’s parents until the spring, when they will establish a place of their own. Any member is free to leave the Amish community for a short time, and be accepted back, but a member who leaves permanently will, however, be turned away permanantly. The Amish survive financially by contributing to a community pot, and it is the duty of all to lend assistance to those in need. A young couple is not expected to be able to buy a farm. It will be purchased for them with assistance from family and community. The Amish home consists of primitive furniture that is functional and styled with simplicity in mind. Some of the appliances, such as a stove, may be a little newer, but there is no electricity to operate modern appliances. All lighting is by candle or oil and gas lamp.
