Preparing An Amish Home For Church
Gene Wintersole photo.
- Amish 101
- Amish 101
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Cleaning the home is an essential part of preparing for church in the Amish community. The process usually begins a few days before Sunday, and it involves deep-cleaning every inch of the house. The first step is to declutter and organize all the rooms, including the bedrooms, living room, kitchen, and bathrooms. Next, all surfaces are dusted, wiped down, and polished.
Carpets are vacuumed or beaten outside to remove any dirt or dust that may have accumulated over time. The windows are cleaned inside and out to let in as much light as possible. Finally, the floors are swept and mopped until they shine. All these efforts ensure that the Amish home is spotless before welcoming fellow worshippers on Sunday morning.
Preparing the meal is an essential part of getting an Amish home ready for church. The meal is typically served after the service, so it is important to have everything ready in time. The meal is usually a potluck, where everyone brings a dish to share. The host family will prepare a main dish, such as a roast or casserole, and provide drinks and tableware.
They will also make sure there are plenty of chairs and tables set up for everyone to sit and eat together. It is not uncommon for families to spend hours preparing their dishes, often using fresh ingredients from their own gardens or farms. Once everything is prepared and set out on the table, it's time for everyone to enjoy the fellowship and delicious food together.
Dressing for church is an important aspect of Amish culture. Women typically wear long dresses or skirts and blouses with a cape or apron. The colors are usually muted, with navy blue, black, and gray being popular choices. Men wear dark suits with white shirts and plain ties. They also wear hats and suspenders to complete their outfit. It is important for Amish families to prepare their clothing ahead of time for church services.
Clothes must be clean and pressed, and shoes should be polished. Many families reserve a special set of clothes just for church services. In addition to dressing modestly, it is also important to dress appropriately for the weather conditions. During the winter months, layers of warm clothing are necessary, while in the summer lightweight fabrics are preferred.
The Amish community typically travels to church on Sundays by horse and buggy. The horses are usually hitched up early in the morning, and the families take their time getting ready before setting out on the journey. The distance to church varies depending on the community, but it is generally within a few miles of each family's home. The roads are often unpaved and can be bumpy, so it's essential to secure all belongings before setting out.
Families may also travel together in groups, making the trip more enjoyable with conversation and singing hymns along the way. Despite the slow pace of travel, arriving at church is always a joyous occasion as families gather together to worship and fellowship with one another.
Additional Source: www.AmishAmerica.com