The Amish holiday calendar is packed with days of remembrance, from the Amish old Christmas and May 26 Amish holiday to Amish ascension day. These festivities are important components of Amish culture and tradition. They're inscribed in the hearts of Amish families and passed down through generations. Additionally, the bible provides guidance on how these special occasions should be observed.
But what about Memorial Day? Does the Amish celebrate it? How is it observed? This article seeks to answer those questions, providing an overview of the Amish Country Memorial Day.
What this article covers:
- What Is Memorial Day?
- Do the Amish Celebrate Memorial Day?
- How Does the Amish Country Observe Memorial Day?
- Can the Amish Join the Miltary?
What Is Memorial Day?
Memorial Day is a special day of remembrance, observed throughout the United States on the last Monday of May. It’s a time to honor those who have died while serving in the U.S. military or as part of our nation’s armed forces.
This day of commemoration is also a popular tourist destination for people from all over the world. Amish Country is no exception.
Do the Amish Celebrate Memorial Day?
The Amish don't believe in war or military service, so they don't recognize Memorial Day as a holiday. They believe in Jesus' teachings of peace and non-violence. As such, they don’t celebrate Memorial Day in a traditional sense. However, it's not uncommon to see some Amish families honoring the day in their own way.
How Does the Amish Country Observe Memorial Day?
Just like other holidays in the Amish community, those who choose to celebrate Amish Country Memorial Day do it in an understated way. Below are a few of the ways Amish observe Memorial Day:
1. Picnicking
Family is an integral part of Amish culture. It's the foundation of their beliefs and values. On Memorial Day, Amish families often join together for a picnic in the park. It’s an opportunity to appreciate the value of life and reflect on the importance of remembering those who have gone before us.
Large families gather in parks and backyards to have a meal and enjoy the outdoors. Children play with hand-made Amish dolls while adults chat, listen to stories, and plan for the week. Sometimes, a gazebo is set up for music and singing.
2. Visiting Family & Friends
Amish Country is full of close-knit communities, so those who choose to celebrate Memorial Day often visit family and friends. This is a time to reconnect and share stories. The Amish appreciate life's small moments, so they take time to be with their loved ones on this special day.
During these visits, women take time to make cool Easter baskets or decorative hanging file boxes as they catch up. Men gather in the backyard and discuss farming, woodworking, or building projects. Kids will play traditional Amish games like Fox and Geese.
3. Horseshoe Pitching
Horseshoe pitching is a popular game among the Amish. It's one of those activities that bring everyone together, no matter their age or background. On Memorial Day, it's almost certain that you'll find horseshoe pits set up in Amish parks and courtyards.
Often, these games are accompanied by laughter and good-natured competitiveness. It's a great way to exercise, appreciate the outdoors, and spend time with family. Kids are encouraged to play and learn the game. This provides them with an opportunity to understand the importance of community and camaraderie.
4. Working
As mentioned earlier, Memorial Day isn’t a traditional holiday for the Amish. Just like they don't observe labor day or celebrate Halloween, most Amish communities don't take the day off from work.
On this special day around America, Amish families will often go about their daily lives as usual. Men will work in the fields or woodshop, while women tend to the children and take care of household tasks.
Can the Amish Join the Miltary?
The Amish typically don't join the military, as they take a pacifistic stance on war and violence. The belief is that this goes against their faith and values. Their right to retaliation and self-defense is governed by the Ordnung, a set of written and oral rules that govern their way of life. Therefore, they don’t take part in military service. Forced military service is forbidden by the Ordnung and is seen as a violation of their religious rights.
However, there have been rare occasions where an individual chooses to serve in the armed forces.
Final Thoughts
The fact that the Amish don't traditionally observe Memorial Day doesn't mean some don't honor it in their own way. Even though the holiday isn't officially celebrated, Amish families will still gather and do something to commemorate this day. You can also visit the Amish country and join in their celebration. You'll find some of the most amazing food and friendliest people you've ever met.
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