There are many unknowns about the Amish, as they prefer to keep to themselves due to their beliefs and communities. One question that some people may be wondering is: how do the Amish celebrate holidays?
It may come as no surprise that the Amish do not celebrate Halloween, due to its connotations and roots in Paganism. But just because they don't celebrate Halloween doesn't mean there aren't other holidays they celebrate. In fact, one October holiday they celebrate is "Micheal's Day," which occurs on October 11. Keep reading below for more interesting holidays the Amish celebrate!
1. Micheal's Day
In the days of Olde back in Europe, many Amish folks were tenant farmers. Much of the land they tilled belonged to the churches or aristocrats of society. This holiday is actually the day they paid tax on their lands. You may be thinking, "Why would they celebrate paying taxes?" But the Amish are traditional and good people, and this day is tied up in their unique cultural history which is why they still pay special attention to this day. This tradition has survived most likely due to the Amish not wanting to forget their roots, and the meaning of the day has changed, but it is a special ancestral holiday for them.
2. Ascension Day
Ascension day occurs on the 40th day after Easter Sunday. Much like western beliefs of Easter and the return of Christ, the Amish celebrate this as the day Jesus ascended to Heaven. It appears that many of the Amish still celebrate this day in modern times. The communities use this as a day of rest and spending time with loved ones, much like the traditional Easter celebration in the rest of the U.S.
3. Church Fast Day
While it may not technically be a holiday, this is a celebratory event for the Amish and occurs between church service and communion. The day may slightly vary between the communities, but it is generally observed. Some other holidays that the Amish fast on are Good Friday and The Epiphany.
4. Pentecost Monday
This holiday commemorates the Holy Spirit descending on Jesus' followers. It is also known as "Whit Monday," and although the exact origins of "Whit Monday," are largely unknown, there is some speculation that is has to do with the white robes and garments once worn by those who were newly baptized on the Whit Sunday Feast.
5. Second Christmas
Children everywhere may be happy to learn that the Amish celebrate what is known as Second Christmas. While this isn't a day of presents and material things, it is a day where the Amish and their communities are sure to rest and spend more time with their loved ones after Christmas Day. This holiday is on the day following Christmas, December 26, and gives the Amish time to relax before returning back to their hard-working ways.
To learn more about obscure Amish holidays, be sure to visit here for more information and sources.