Weddings - A Ceremony Rooted in Tradition
As June unfolds and Summer approaches, Amish communities continue to celebrate the wedding season with ceremonies steeped in faith, tradition, and simplicity. Unlike modern weddings, which are often filled with elaborate decorations and grand receptions, Amish wedding ceremonies focus on commitment, humility, and the sacred bond between husband and wife.
The ceremony typically takes place at the bride's home or a neighbor's, allowing her to assist with preparations beforehand. If the ceremony is held at a neighbor's home, guests don't have far to travel for the noon meal, which is traditionally served at the bride's home.
Once everyone is seated, the page number of the hymn is announced, and the congregation begins singing. At this point, the ministers and the couple step out to a designated room for private counseling. This session, held on the morning of the wedding, allows the couple to receive guidance and blessings before returning to the main gathering.
The ceremony itself is conducted in German, the Mother Tongue of the Old Order Amish. This reinforces their deep connection to tradition and faith. The Bishop leads the wedding, performing the official ceremony, while ministers may also contribute to the preaching.
A unique aspect of Amish weddings is the role of "newehockers" or "sidesitters"—witnesses who are often family members and their partners. They sign the marriage license and, as their name suggests, spend much of the ceremony seated.
The wedding rituals are simple yet deeply symbolic. The groom steps forward first, followed by the bride. After the vows, they turn toward each other, rather than away, as they return to their seats—a gesture reflecting unity and commitment.
Unlike mainstream weddings, there is no kiss at the altar. The Amish discourage public displays of affection, believing that love is best expressed privately and through lifelong devotion. The bride wears a black prayer cap, signifying submission to God and her husband, while guests participate in singing slow, traditional hymns such as "So will ich Aber Huben An" and "Das Magdelein".
The ceremony lasts several hours, although the actual exchange of wedding vows takes only minutes. Throughout the service, the theme of purity and devotion is emphasized—just as the church is presented as the bride of Christ, the groom hopes to receive a pure bride, and vice versa.
Even the cooks and helpers take a moment to step into the ceremony before returning to their duties, ensuring that everyone plays a role in this sacred event.
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
The Mast family is still reminiscing about last Sunday's special church service at a neighboring community's well-known farmstead. A full vanload made the trip to worship and share fellowship. The highlight? A hearty homemade lunch featuring baked beans, noodles, fresh salad, warm bread with Amish peanut butter spread, and two kinds of pie—a true feast compared to their usual church-day meal of sandwiches with bologna, cheese, peanut butter, and pickled beets (with hot soup served to the little ones). They even stayed for supper, enjoying leftovers from noon, along with scoops of ice cream, before heading home in good spirits.
The Yoder Family
On their way home from church last Sunday, the Yoder family stumbled upon a curious sight—a tiny billy goat with his head firmly wedged in a woven wire fence. With a few careful maneuvers, they freed the little guy from his predicament. Hesitant at first, the goat took a few slow steps before pausing, turning back toward his rescuers, and letting out a cheerful "baa-baa!" Then, as if filled with fresh energy, he sprang forward, gleefully bounding across the meadow to reunite with the herd. The family couldn't help but chuckle—it was the sweetest little "thank you" they'd ever received!
The Gingerich Family
Luck was on the Gingerich family's side this week, bringing them not one, but two surprises! While traveling in a vanload of Amish families to do some shopping in a nearby town, they made a spontaneous stop at a local sale barn. Arriving early, they entered a drawing with their driver. To everyone's delight, the driver's name was drawn for a prize—a free hair sheep! Not needing the sheep himself, he generously gifted it to the Gingerichs. The surprises didn't stop there, though—upon returning home, they discovered that their mare had given birth to a beautiful newborn filly.
"If you can't be grateful for what you receive, be grateful for what you escape."
— Amish Wisdom
