The Amish community is known for its simplicity, deep-rooted traditions, and devout faith. While their beliefs and practices are largely grounded in their Anabaptist Christian faith, there are also several superstitions and folk practices that have been passed down through generations. These beliefs offer a fascinating glimpse into the Amish worldview. Here are ten Amish superstitions that might surprise you!
The “Himmelsbrief” or Heaven Letter
The “Himmelsbrief” is a letter believed to bring protection and good luck. Some Amish families keep a copy of this letter in their homes, which is said to have divine origins and to protect the household from harm and misfortune. This practice blends folk belief with religious faith, providing a sense of security and spiritual well-being.
Pregnancy and Birth Superstitions
Expectant mothers in the Amish community are surrounded by numerous superstitions. They are advised to avoid funerals to protect the unborn child from evil spirits. Additionally, there is a belief that cutting a baby's hair before their first birthday will bring bad luck, potentially impacting the child's future.
After the birth, the placenta is sometimes buried on the family's property. This practice is believed to provide a spiritual connection to the land and ensure the child's well-being.
Dreams as Portents
Dreams hold significant importance among the Amish, often viewed as messages from the divine or warnings about future events. A particularly vivid or troubling dream might prompt an individual to seek guidance from their spiritual leader or alter their behavior to avoid the foreseen danger.
Protection from Witches and Evil Spirits
Despite their strong Christian faith, some Amish believe in the existence of witches and evil spirits. To protect themselves, they might hang a horseshoe above a door or use specific prayers and rituals to ward off malevolent entities. This blend of faith and folklore is a unique aspect of Amish superstition.
Hex Signs
While not universally practiced among the Amish, some Pennsylvania Dutch communities, which include Amish and Mennonite groups, use hex signs. These colorful geometric designs painted on barns are believed to bring good luck, protect against evil, and ensure a bountiful harvest. They reflect a blend of folklore and practical superstition.
Avoiding Photos
The Amish avoiding having their photographs taken stems from their interpretation of the Second Commandment, which forbids the making of "graven images." They believe that being photographed promotes vanity, individualism and pride, which they strive to avoid.
Animal Superstitions
While the black cat superstition is not typically Amish, they do have other beliefs involving animals. For instance:
- Dogs Howling at Night: It is believed that if a dog howls outside the home at night, it can be an omen of death or misfortune for someone in the household.
- Birds Tapping on Windows: A bird tapping on a window is seen as a sign that death is imminent for someone in the family.
- Owls Hooting Near Homes: The hooting of an owl near a home can be considered an ominous sign, often associated with impending death or bad news.
Curing Warts with Folk Remedies
An old Amish remedy for curing warts involves rubbing the wart with a piece of raw meat and then burying the meat in the ground. As the meat decays, the wart is believed to disappear. This practice highlights the Amish reliance on folk medicine and superstitious belief.
Weather Predictions Based on Natural Signs
The Amish have various superstitions related to predicting the weather. For instance, they believe that if the first snow of winter falls on a particular day of the week, it will continue to snow on that day for the rest of the season. Observing animal behavior and plant conditions are also ways they forecast weather changes.
Rituals to Ward Off Illness
In addition to using modern medicine, some Amish communities rely on folk remedies and rituals to ward off illness. For example, placing an onion under the bed of a sick person is believed to draw out the illness. Such practices reflect a blend of practical and superstitious approaches to health.
Conclusion
These superstitions provide a fascinating glimpse into the cultural and spiritual life of the Amish. While they might seem unusual to outsiders, these beliefs are deeply intertwined with the Amish community’s values and worldview. They offer a unique perspective on how the Amish navigate and interpret the world around them, balancing their faith with traditional practices.