1897.]
A Strange People
Besides the usual teachings of Christianity, they have incor
porated into their creed a number of precepts which make them
a peculiar people. Among these are: Absolute non-conformity in
dress; total abstinence from all oaths; non-resistance; the admin
istration of the holy kiss and the adoption of no new thing. The
strict churchman is required to wear a full beard with no mous
tache, and to wear his hair so long that it will at least touch his
shoulders. He v must wear a very broad brimmed stiff hat, a long
coat, and trousers of a peculiar cut; and must use hooks in place
of buttons on all [garments. The women are required to wear
only the plainest of dress goods, never to go without their little
black cloth head caps, and to avoid any form of a bonnet. In
winter they wear black silk handkerchiefs tied about their heads,
and in summer a broad straw hat with the brims turned down and
held by strings which tie under the chin.
Their customs in dress give to them a quaint appearance, in
deed, and carries one back in imagination to ancient Switzerland,
where their sect was organized by their great teacher, Simon
Menno.
Non-resistance is faithfully practiced by all the members. No
one would be allowed to go to war under any circumstances.
They never go to law, and should a difficulty arise between two
members it is referred to the church and settled by discussion of
the members. In case anyone should disobey the laws of the
church all the other members avoid the transgressor, and he is
made to feel so uncomfortable that he soon repents and endeavors
to make good the wrong. This done, the offender is received
again into the church with appropriate ceremonies.
Their' houses are very plain and scantily furnished. The wood
work of the houses is rarely painted. Window blinds, carpets,
pictures and other ornaments are forbidden. A fireplace, or stove,
a table, a bed and a few chairs are the usual furniture of a room.
Yet, with the absence of all these seeming necessities there is still
much about the house to be admired. The floors are white and
spotless from frequent scrubbings; the mantle is adorned with
ancient dishes; the polished hearth glistens in the light of the fire
and all the inmates appear happy and contented. The ordinary
housewife would find great difficulty in preparing a single palat
able dish with the few cooking utensils supplied to the kitchen;
but they supply all the needs of the Amishman, for his appetite
for dainties is as dormant as his ambition. The few plain victuals