Marriage and Family

Families are extremely important in Amish society. Families generally begin after marriage. Marriage in an Amish community varies from that of mainstream society. Marriage is very important in Amish communities. Once the knot is tied, that’s it. Divorce does not occur in Amish communities. It may not seem too much different than mainstream society, except that the Amish treat it more seriously. For them, marriage is for life. Marriage is considered to the first step to creating a family. Married couple’s generally have between 7-8 children or more because they do not practice any form of birth control. This is because children are thought to be a blessing for the community. I can understand why marriage is a central part of Amish communities. They place a lot of value on families because it is mainly families that keep the Amish culture alive and well. Children keep the Amish tradition alive and prosperous.

Families are also important in mainstream society but they are not usually as large. Marriage is not as permanent. Divorce can be quite common. Some outsiders may find Amish society stifling, but they might not fully understand the culture. Also, outsiders were not raised in an Amish community so it is hard for them to relate to. I understand why families are extremely important to Amish culture. This is because families represent the heart of the community. However, the Amish do not looked down on the people who choose not to marry. They are still accepted within the Amish community. Marriage and families keep the Amish culture alive and strong.

Bibliography

BBC
2009 The Amish. Electronic document,
http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/christianity/subdivisions/amish_1.shtml

Countries and Their Culture
Amish-Marriage and Family. Electronic document,
http://www.everyculture.com/North-America/Amish-Marriage-and-Family.html

Robinson, B.A.
2008 The Amish: Practices of Various Groups. Electronic document,
http://www.religioustolerance.org/amish4.htm