Weddings - A Feast of Tradition & A Tribute to Fathers
As we celebrate Father's Day, it feels fitting to reflect on the importance of family in Amish life, especially during wedding season, where Fathers play a quiet but vital role in preparing for the joyous occasion. Amish weddings are not only a union between two people but also a gathering of generations, where Fathers, Grandfathers, and mentors provide wisdom, guidance, and steadfast support to the newlyweds.
After the wedding ceremony, the newlyweds and their guests come together for a wedding feast, a time of joy, community, and celebration. While Amish weddings may be simple compared to mainstream traditions, the meal and festivities are rich with meaning and togetherness.
The wedding supper follows a structured order. Married couples and children eat first, allowing the tables to be reset for the young folk later in the evening. The meal itself is hearty and traditional, often consisting of casseroles made from leftovers from lunch, including mashed potatoes, gravy, dressing, noodles, and meat. Dessert is a highlight, featuring ice cream, pudding, cake, fruit, and pies—a sweet ending to a meaningful day.
At the heart of the celebration is the Eck table, arranged in a corner of the house or room. Here, the newlyweds sit alongside their witnesses, enjoying special favors such as sparkling water or soda and a menu of their favorite foods, which may include kabobs, grilled dishes, pecan pie, and ice cream sundaes. Even the presentation of food is festive—bologna, cheese, and bread are often cut into heart shapes, and sugar-rimmed glasses add an elegant touch.
Entertainment at Amish weddings is simple yet lively. Singing is a central part of the festivities, both during the ceremony and in the evening after supper. Some communities include yodeling, while young folks may play ball in the afternoon. Unlike mainstream weddings, dancing and alcohol are absent, as they are generally forbidden in Amish culture.
Guests receive small wedding favors, such as letter openers, pens, name cards, bookmarks, or fingernail clippers, often engraved with the couple's names and wedding date. Helpers receive larger gifts, including letter holders, matchboxes, kitchen canisters, or glass bowls as tokens of appreciation.
The newlyweds are showered with practical gifts, reflecting the Amish emphasis on usefulness. Common presents include kitchenware, laundry tubs, shop tools, rockers, lawn chairs, and porch swings. Some families pool resources to purchase larger gifts, such as grills, kettle sets, lawnmowers, or horse harnesses.
One of the most memorable moments of the evening occurs when the young folks pair up to eat and sing. In some communities, they create a unique sound by wetting the rims of their water glasses and running their fingers around the edges, producing a soft, musical hum. This sound traditionally signals the newlyweds to exchange a kiss, though most do not, as public displays of affection are discouraged in Amish culture.
Throughout the celebration, the Amish community's commitment to hospitality shines through. Elderly guests are provided with chairs, and some weddings even assign babysitters to help care for young children. The entire community plays a role in the feast, with cooks, table waiters, and helpers ensuring that everything runs smoothly.
As we reflect on the significance of Fathers today, it's worth noting that Amish Fathers contribute in quiet yet meaningful ways. From ensuring guests are cared for to tending to last-minute wedding needs, they embody steadfast dedication and love—the very qualities that make family life in the Amish community so strong.
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's lively litter of puppies is still nursing, though their mother is doing her best to encourage independence, gently nudging them away when they get too persistent. While they've been eating dog food for weeks now, their cuddly nature still makes them irresistible. One special pup, the tiny runt named Ruby, found her forever home this past week. An English friend of the Mast family's daughter had adored her from the start, forming an instant bond. When the time felt right, they came to take Ruby home, ensuring she'll be cherished and adored in her new family.
The Yoder Family
I spent Thursday at the Yoder farm, capturing the care and precision behind their basket weaving. Their daughter, Anna, kindly guided me through the intricate process while her father had already prepared the materials. The women in the family usually focus on weaving, while the men handle cutting and staining, ensuring each piece is beautifully finished. Watching their dedication to preserving Amish craftsmanship was inspiring. The staining happens on Fridays and Saturdays, but for now, I had the opportunity to capture the weaving in action. Stay tuned for emails during this coming week—we'll try to share photos so you can see the timeless tradition firsthand!
The Gingerich Family
Summer is in full swing, and the Gingerich family's garden is bursting with promise. Their peas, potatoes, and peppers are now blooming, hinting at the abundant harvest ahead. Meanwhile, strawberries have taken center stage in the community, appearing at nearly every table. With their expansive strawberry patch, the Gingerichs picked a whopping 20 gallons on Friday—enough to share at the farmers' market. Like many families, they've been busy preserving the bounty, turning strawberries into jam, canning them, and gifting extras to neighbors. (Have you tried Lena's award-winning strawberry jam? It's a local favorite!)
"Two things define you. Your patience when you have nothing, and your attitude when you have everything."
— Amish Wisdom
