I don't know the percentage of Amish communities that use tobacco products, but do know that quite a few of them do.
The community we lived in it was strictly forbidden, my cousins in Lancaster smoked regularly, LV's cousins in Smicksburg all had their favorite brands, and he used to admire how his grandpa smoked a pipe.
There are many Amish in Lancaster that raise tobacco as means of supporting their family.
Back in the late 80's a new Amish community was starting in Wisconsin, my parents bought a farm there and we planned to move thinking the church would be almost a mirror copy of the one my parents had been married in. This little community had a lot of problems before it ever even really got started when a bishop moved in and decided to have more of a Lancaster style church and one of the points on the ordnung would be that the men should smoke cigars or pipes. That by doing so they were portraying a humble spirit.
My parents chose not to follow through with that move, thanks in part to tobacco.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Somehow it is difficult to understand how smoking can convey a humble spirit.
ReplyDeleteI used to love to see the Tobacco fields in France when they were in full leaf. Even that has slowed down now and the old tobacco drying barns are being used for other things.
They thought those who refused to smoke had a holier-than-thou attitude.
DeleteProbably a "healthier-than-thou" attitude! :) Though I'll admit to loving the smell of a pipe.
DeleteOoohhh WOW !!! Now this was a BIG surprise .... NEVER would of dreamed they were allowed the use of tobacco anywhere !! Now, what about alcohol?! Was this permitted or snuck into homes to partake?! I also wonder if men went out together to just hang out, and do these things in a hush hush place ..... I guess there is little things that happen anyhow, that of course is looked down and frowned upon..Not sure how the women took to any of these things..
ReplyDeleteThis has been sooo fun Mary Ann, I don't want you to get to Z yet :(:(
Happy day to you my friend xo
Though not nearly every community, there are quite a number of Amish communities that serve wine at weddings. The "Swiss" Amish, including the ones in Seymour, Missouri drink beer on a regular basis, and their preachers are known to drink some wine before church services to give them strength to preach. As far as I know none of the churches allowed the women to use any tobacco products, though they could have a little wine at weddings.
DeleteHomemade wines were often made in the more conservative churches.
So interesting ....... YOU should be a teacher !!! Lots of knowledge served with LOVE here !!! Thank you for all the answers to my never ending questions :):) Blessings and love as always xo
ReplyDeleteHappy to answer your questions.
DeleteSoooo interesting! Did not see that one coming! The smell of pipe is such a manly smell!
ReplyDeleteAt times I think tobacco among the Amish is a thing of the past because I almost never see it among the Amish that come to Pinecraft. But I am always reminded my assumptions are not true for every now and then I smell tobacco smoke.
ReplyDeleteSmoking tobacco as a part of humility? Glad your parents made a choice not to move.
ReplyDeleteOver here from the A to Z.
I have often been very thankful my parents never moved there.
DeleteI am surprised tobacco is not only allowed but incouraged in some communities. I am learning a lot from your posts. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteIt does seem odd that anyone would be encouraged to smoke.
DeleteJust like everyone else, you "blew me away" with this posting. I have to admit I DO love the aroma of pipe tobacco, but never saw it as "humble". (Actually, I think it's sexy; wonder what your bishops would say to *that*?
ReplyDeleteThe bishops in the churches that allow or encourage smoking, would probably be speechless, for once.
DeleteThat is very interesting. I know around here we often see the Amish workers in town smoking, but never thought anything about it. I also love the smell of a pipe, having lived with it all my childhood days.
ReplyDeleteI am really enjoying this series. Your post make me laugh every day! Thank you for putting these up.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome! I'm so glad you are enjoying the series.
Delete