Amish Weddings
The young people of the community finish their formal education at the eighth grade--about the age of fourteen or fifteen. They begin working as adults very early. They also tend to marry somewhat early: many marry by the age of 19 or 20.
- In the past, the fathers would give the new couple parcels of land on which to begin their lives. Sometimes, an older father might retire and turn the land over to the son to farm. Now there is more pressure to purchase new land on which to build. In earlier times, families would expand by building a "dawdy haus," or grandfather's house, attached to the main building. But more recently the dawdy haus is detached and built nearby.
- Prior to marrying, the couple must join the church. This includes baptism.
- Young men start growing a beard about six-weeks before the ceremony to indicate they are getting married. The married men of the community, almost universally, display beards.
- It is customary about six weeks before the marriage to publish "the banns," which in English tradition meant a "summons" providing an opportunity for anyone to raise an impediment to the marriage.
- The Amish wedding is a day-long event, beginning with a religious service, followed by the ceremony, a large meal,eaten in shifts, during which as many as 400 or 500 people may partake, while others are singing of hymns to the new couple.
- The bride typically wears a royal blue dress with a white cap.
- The wedding usually takes place in the home of the bride, and the married couple spend the night in the home. It is also their responsibiliy to help the host to clean up the house and wash the dishes after the ceremony is over.
- The Amish do not have elaborate amounts of flowers in their ceremonies. They do not exchange rings.
|
