Inside the Amish Butchering Season
We hope this newsletter finds you well and enjoying the crisp, refreshing days of November. Here in the Heartland, the cool weather signals the start of an annual tradition in our Amish community—it's butchering season. This time-honored practice not only provides sustenance for the Winter months but also brings families and neighbors together in a spirit of cooperation and community.
As the leaves fall and the first hints of frost decorate the fields, Amish families begin preparations for butchering day. It's a bustling, busy time, with everyone playing a crucial role. Several days before the big event, animals are hung and skinned if the weather is cold enough, ensuring the meat stays fresh during the butchering process.
Deer season kicks off this period, with families butchering deer, followed by a beef or two, or a hog. The colder months are ideal for this work, as the meat is less likely to spoil, and other agricultural tasks like gardening and canning have been completed. Some families also take this opportunity to butcher their old laying hens, readying a new flock for the coming year.
On butchering day, the entire family and sometimes neighbors pitch in. Tasks are divided, with some members assigned to take the meat off the bones, others making special cuts, and some starting the grinding process. Essential tools like very sharp knives and a working grinder are indispensable for this labor-intensive day.
Once the meat is processed, it's preserved in various ways. Many families pack the meat into jars and pressure cook it, while others opt to freeze it. Every bit is used to avoid waste: scraps go to the dogs, bones are cooked to extract all the meat, broth is made from the bones, and fat is rendered into lard.
A tradition in more than one family during butchering day is enjoying steaks for lunch, a much-anticipated treat that brings everyone together around the table. The day is also filled with laughter and stories, creating lasting memories and strengthening community bonds.
Children learn the importance of this practice from a young age, helping with tasks like cutting meat and running errands. Through this hands-on experience, they understand the significance of self-sufficiency and the value of hard work.
Butchering day is not just about preparing food; it's about maintaining a way of life that emphasizes faith, family, and self-reliance. Over the years, the methods have evolved—grinders are now powered by engines instead of being hand-cranked—but the essence of the tradition remains the same.
Here are a few happenings the families dedicated to weaving the beautiful baskets featured on AmishBaskets.com have shared with us this week.
The Mast Family
Phineas and Rosa Mast shared a nostalgic tale from their courting days. Phineas would often find himself dozing off during his buggy rides home after spending Sunday evenings with Rosa. Remarkably, his trusty horse would navigate the route home, parking patiently at the barnyard gate. One night, however, the horse took a wrong turn and they ended up in a ditch. When Phineas woke up, he found himself and the buggy in an unexpected spot. Even in mishaps, the bond between Phineas and his horse reflects the simple, enduring faith in their journey home.
The Yoder Family
Flu season has swept through the Yoder household. Last Sunday, their youngest child complained of a tummy ache, so they gave her charcoal water, hoping it would pass. On the way to church, her discomfort grew. Shortly after arriving, she urgently needed the restroom and ended up being sick outside. They gave her eldermint extract, and she rested in a bed at the home where the service was held. She tried rejoining the service but was sick again, then slept all the way home. Their story is a reminder of the care and patience shared within the community during such times.
The Gingerich Family
The Gingerich family experienced a quieter Sunday at church, with many members out of town visiting Levi, a respected community member, who has been hospitalized for over a week. Despite following the doctor's advice to take Tylenol for 15 days, Levi's condition worsened, leading to his hospital stay. As of now, doctors are still running tests to diagnose his illness. The Gingerich family expressed their frustration with modern technology, hoping it would provide quicker answers. Levi's situation highlights the community's support and the trials they face despite advancements in healthcare.
"Cooks and bakers know the secret to a good day is patience."
— Amish Wisdom
