Valentine’s Day in Our Amish Community
We hope this email finds you well and that you had a lovely Valentine's Day last week. As February settles in, we are reminded of the simple joys and traditions that make life in our Amish community so special. While Valentine's Day is not widely celebrated among the Amish, it still holds a unique charm, especially for scholars and young couples.
In the Amish community, Valentine's Day is primarily celebrated by the children in the one-room schoolhouses. The excitement of exchanging handmade cards and small candies fills the air, creating a festive atmosphere. Teachers often go the extra mile, crafting personalized cards and even giving out a rare treat of a small box of candy. The children reciprocate by making Valentine's Day decorations using paper, scissors, glue, and crayons. They cut out hearts and flowers, writing heartfelt messages of love and friendship on them, and proudly display their creations around the schoolroom, brightening the space with their colorful artwork.
For young Amish couples, Valentine's Day is a sweet and romantic occasion. While the holiday is not considered a major event, it provides an opportunity for them to express their affection and devotion to each other. Young men typically buy candy hearts from the store, while young women often make their own candies and cards. Using recipes and techniques passed down from their mothers and grandmothers, they create chocolates, fudge, caramels, and other delightful treats, wrapping them in pretty paper. These handmade gifts are cherished by the couples, serving as reminders of their love and the special moments they share.
Interestingly, Valentine's Day is not widely observed by older Amish couples who have been married for many years. They tend to show their love and appreciation for each other through daily acts of kindness rather than exchanging gifts or cards. Whether it's cooking a special meal, doing a chore for the other, or simply spending quality time together, their love is expressed in the simple, meaningful ways that have been cultivated over a lifetime together.
Grandparents in the Amish community also take part in the Valentine's Day spirit, often baking heart-shaped cookies with their grandchildren. These sweet treats are enjoyed by family and friends, adding a touch of warmth to the chilly February days. Heart-shaped conversation candies are another popular treat, bringing smiles to both young and old alike.
One of the most charming aspects of Amish Valentine's Day traditions is the emphasis on handmade gifts. From heart-shaped sewing chests and pincushions to trinkets like keychains, these thoughtful creations reflect the love and care that go into each item. The act of creating and giving these handmade gifts reinforces the importance of love and relationships within the community.
Stories from Our Amish Basket Weavers
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
Excitement and activity are buzzing in the Mast family's household. This week, their middle daughter is away at her grandma's house in another community, lending a hand with housework. Grandma has been feeling under the weather, so her granddaughter's assistance is greatly appreciated. The recent snowfall added to the excitement as the family spent extra time clearing the driveways leading up to their shop in anticipation of a hardware delivery for their Spring baskets. With the raw materials now safely unloaded, they are eager to start crafting their popular Mother's Day craft and sewing baskets, bringing joy to many homes.
The Yoder Family
Mirium and her intended are busy with wedding preparations after purchasing their marriage license this week. They mailed numerous invitations, though it's rumored some close relatives who live a long distance away received a little advance notice before the couple was officially published (wink, wink). The couple is also preparing thoughtful gifts for the table waiters and witnesses who will be part of their special day. They have meticulously written up lists for the helpers and cooks, ensuring everyone knows their roles on the wedding day. Meanwhile, the men are hard at work putting new boards on the front porch, making sure everything is perfect for the big day in March.
The Gingerich Family
The Gingerich family decided it was time to refresh their chicken coop with a younger flock of chickens. Their nieces visited to help with the butchering of 20 of the old hens, and the whole family pitched in. While everyone lent a hand, it was mostly the girls who took charge of the butchering. Grandma was there too, babysitting the little ones, washing dishes, and cutting meat off the bones for grinding. The family canned 14 quarts of thighs, drumsticks, and wings, and also picked cooked meat off the bones for chicken broth. They canned two cookers full of broth and had more to do as of Saturday morning.
"Follow your joy. Be happy. Inspiration comes when our heart is light and free."
— Amish Wisdom
