Summer Evenings and Courtship Traditions
Warm greetings from our Amish community here in the Heartland. The middle of Summer has settled in with bright sunshine and long days that seem to linger over the countryside. This past week brought steady heat, keeping everyone looking for shade or a passing breeze to make the afternoons more comfortable. With no rain to cool the ground, early morning watering became a familiar part of daily life. The gardens responded well, and the rows of produce continue to flourish. As we continue our Growing Up Amish series, this week’s letter turns to the quiet traditions of courtship, a part of Amish life that carries both simplicity and depth.
Courtship in Amish communities begins with the gentle awareness that someone has caught your attention in a new way. For many, this happens before they join the youth groups, often during the years when they begin attending Sunday evening singings. These gatherings are central to Amish social life and are the most common place for young people to meet. Youth sit together to sing hymns, visit, and enjoy each other's company. It is here that many first notice someone who stands out in a meaningful way. These singings are well known across Amish communities and are often the starting point for courtship.
Older youth often share advice with those just beginning to navigate courtship. One familiar saying is that love is blind, a reminder that feelings can grow quickly and that patience is important. Courtship is taken seriously, and the guidance of older youth helps younger ones understand the importance of character, humility, and steady communication. In many communities, courtship is kept quiet for a time, and couples often choose to keep their growing relationship private until they feel ready to share it more openly. This quiet approach is common and reflects the thoughtful nature of Amish relationships.
There are moments in courtship that stay with a person for years. One young woman shared that the first date made her nervous, yet it also marked the beginning of something meaningful. She remembered how sharing parts of her life story helped her feel connected. She also recalled a moment that made her laugh when her father began to sing “No letter in the mail today” to tease her about waiting to hear from someone she cared about. These small moments become treasured memories that shape the experience of growing up.
Communication during courtship is often simple and sincere. When one person shares their heart, the other is more likely to do the same. This steady exchange builds trust and helps both understand what they value. Patience is learned through these conversations, and many discover that patience is a skill that grows with time and practice.
Courtship traditions vary across Amish communities. In some more progressive areas, standards can be looser, while in more conservative districts, traditions remain very structured. Buggy rides are a comforting part of courtship and give couples quiet time together. At the same time, the limited opportunities to spend time together can be challenging. These slower moments help young people decide whether someone is right for them. Heart-to-heart talks often guide that decision.
One young woman learned something important about herself during courtship. She realized she did not tolerate late nights well, which helped her understand what pace suited her. She also appreciated the slower nature of courtship, especially the buggy rides that allowed time for conversation without distraction. Amish courtship emphasizes character, shared values, and thoughtful decision-making. These traditions have remained steady across generations and continue to shape the lives of young people today.
Stories from Our Amish Basket Weavers
Here are a few of the most notable moments from the families who weave the beautiful baskets featured on AmishBaskets.com, shared with us this week.
The Mast Family
Summer days have been lively for the Mast children as they spend their spare time teaching their litter of puppies simple tricks such as shaking hands, lying down, sitting, leading, and rolling over. The younger pups learn quickly, but the older dog has proven more stubborn. The children even tried hitching the pup’s grandmother to their small wagon, hoping she might pull it across the yard. She refused to budge, even when tempted with dog food. After much laughter and effort, they snipped the twine harness and agreed that wagon pulling will not be part of her training again.
The Yoder Family
The Yoder family joined neighbors for a community gathering last Saturday, where a new game was introduced by a visitor from Nebraska. The game, called hillbilly softball, uses a football instead of a softball, and each batter gets only one strike. It kept everyone moving and added plenty of excitement for the men, boys, and girls who played. Children enjoyed treasure hunts and water balloons while Rebecca, her older daughters, and a nearby family prepared the meal. The day was filled with laughter, friendly competition, and the kind of simple enjoyment that makes Summer gatherings memorable.
“Pray for a good harvest but continue to hoe.”
- Amish Wisdom Overheard in the Community
