Imagine Amish teenagers stepping out of their simple, technology-free world into our modern, gadget-filled one. This journey, known as Rumspringa, allows young Amish people to explore life beyond their traditional communities.
They can dress in modern clothes, use technology, and try out activities previously off-limits. The goal? Decide whether to commit to their Amish roots fully or step into a wider world.
Key Takeaways:
- The Amish tradition of Rumspringa begins around age 16, offering young Amish men and women the chance to explore life beyond their community’s boundaries.
- Rumspringa varies in length, allowing each individual to take the time they need to explore and decide on their future. While some may return within a few months, others might take years, with most deciding before turning 30.
- Despite the increased freedom, participants are discouraged from engaging in excessive or harmful behaviors.
- The conclusion of Rumspringa is a turning point, leading to either a return to the Amish community and a commitment to its values or a departure to live outside it.
This article takes a closer look into this pivotal phase in the life of an Amish teenager, guided by insights from someone who, though not Amish, has spent years appreciating and learning from their craftsmanship and way of life.
What is Rumspringa?
Rumspringa, derived from the Pennsylvania Dutch term meaning “running around,” is far more than its literal translation suggests. It’s a discovery period, a bridge between childhood and adulthood, where Amish youths can explore the world beyond their communities.
This exploration isn’t about rebellion; it’s about choice. A deeply rooted tradition, its origins trace back to the early days of the Amish, emphasizing the importance of making an informed and heartfelt commitment to their community and faith.
Typically beginning around 16, Rumspringa is when young Amish men and women can experience life outside their community norms. The age marks not just a physical maturity but a spiritual and communal one. It’s where individuals start to ponder their future and decide to be baptized into the Amish church.
How Long Does Rumspringa Last?
The duration of Rumspringa varies. For some, it’s a brief sojourn; for others, it’s a more extended journey. It ends not with a birthday or a specific milestone but when the individual feels ready to choose – to leave their explorations behind and commit to the Amish way of life or step away from the community they’ve known all their lives.
While the length of Rumspringa varies, most young adults can decide before they turn 30, with the majority deciding within two years.
Through the lens of an observer and a craftsman, Rumspringa symbolizes more than just a rite of passage. It’s a testament to the Amish community’s resilience and their unwavering belief in the power of choice and commitment.
In my years crafting and selling Amish furniture, I’ve seen how these principles manifest in their work. Each piece of furniture is a testament to their dedication, skill, and the deep sense of community that guides their lives.
If you’re interested, here’s a video showing the Rumspringa journey of two teens:
The Amish Rumspringa Rules
Despite what many people think, Rumspringa isn’t just a free-for-all of modern pleasures. Instead, it’s a time for careful exploration that still respects the values of the community.
Here’s a summary of the detailed rules that guide this fascinating period:
1. Freedom with Boundaries
During Rumspringa, teenagers are allowed more freedom to explore the world outside their Amish communities. However, this freedom comes with unspoken boundaries.
Excessive or harmful behaviors are discouraged, and the core values of the Amish faith—like humility, family, and community—are expected to be respected.
2. Respect for Family and Community
Despite the newfound freedom, respect for family and community remains paramount. Teenagers are expected to maintain respect and consideration for their parent’s wishes and the community’s expectations. This respect is crucial in keeping the ties to their roots strong, even as they navigate their journeys.
3. Decision-Making
The ultimate rule of Rumspringa is the decision every participant must make: whether to join the Amish church and community as a committed adult member or to leave for the outside world.
This decision is deeply personal and comes at the end of their Rumspringa journey. The process is not rushed; young people are given time to reflect on their experiences and the life they wish to lead.
4. Behavioral Guidelines
While there are no strict, universally applied rules about behavior during Rumspringa, communities expect that participants will not engage in activities that starkly contradict Amish values. Substance abuse, for example, is frowned upon.
5. Returning to the Community
For those who choose to return and be baptized into the Amish church, repentance is expected for any actions during Rumspringa that contradict community standards. This act of repentance is necessary to fully integrate into the community and begin adult life within the Amish faith.
The Practices of Rumspringa
Rumspringa offers Amish teens the opportunity to experience the world beyond their insular communities. This period is not about reckless abandon but about making informed choices. The teens are allowed and encouraged to step outside the strict boundaries of Amish life to see, feel, and understand the world that lies beyond.
During Rumspringa, these young individuals may dress in non-Amish clothing, use technology, and participate in activities that are usually off-limits.
From attending movies to driving cars, the experiences vary widely. Some may choose to travel, work in non-Amish environments, or even participate in public school. It’s a time for exploration, reflection, and decision-making.
What’s fascinating is the level of trust the Amish community places in their youth. There’s an understanding that for faith to be genuine, it must be chosen, not inherited.
Rumspringa embodies this belief, providing a space for young Amish men and women to question, learn, and decide whether they wish to commit to the Amish way of life through baptism into the church.
The decision at the end of Rumspringa is monumental. It’s not merely a choice between modern conveniences and traditional living; it’s a commitment to a community, a way of life, and a set of values deeply entwined with identity and belonging.
In a comprehensive study, “The Amish” (2013), sociologists Donald B. Kraybill and Karen M. Johnson-Weiner took a closer look into various aspects of Amish life, including the intriguing Rumspringa phase.
Through their examination, they reveal that although a segment of Amish youth opt not to rejoin their community after Rumspringa, a significant majority choose to return. While the study stops short of providing exact figures, it sheds light on the complex interplay of cultural and social influences that guide these pivotal decisions.
Meanwhile, in God Bless America: Strange and Unusual Religious Beliefs and Practices in the United States, the majority of teens in the Amish community don’t go far from their homes or families, with 85% to 90% returning.
Here’s a closer look into what happens during Rumspringa:
The Role of Family and Community
The Amish, known for their deep-seated values of simplicity, faith, and communal living, view Rumspringa not as a departure from these principles but as a vital step towards embracing them with full conviction.
During Rumspringa, the family plays a crucial, albeit subtle, role. Far from an unbridled foray into the modern world, this period is marked by a nuanced balance between freedom and guidance.
Parents
While granting their children the space to explore, parents continue to embody and uphold the core Amish values of humility, integrity, and community. It’s a time for open dialogue, where questions are encouraged, and thoughtful discussions occur within the family unit’s safety.
This approach fosters a sense of belonging and identity. It grounds the youth in their cultural and spiritual heritage even as they navigate the waters of adolescence.
The Community
Community members remain watchful and caring, ready to provide advice or assistance while respecting the individual’s need for personal exploration.
This collective support system ensures that, even as Amish youths test their faith and lifestyle boundaries, they are never truly alone. The community’s presence is a constant reminder of the life awaiting their return, should they commit to baptism and fully join the Amish church.
What’s truly remarkable about Rumspringa is how it reflects the Amish commitment to voluntary faith. The decision to join the church, made after a period of exploration and reflection, is deeply personal yet profoundly communal.
Rumspringa in the Age of Social Media
In the age of social media, the dynamics of Rumspringa have inevitably evolved. With their vast networks and instantaneous communication capabilities, social media platforms present a novel set of opportunities and challenges for Amish youth during this exploratory phase.
Impact on Information and Exposure
Social media significantly broadens the scope of exposure for Amish teenagers on Rumspringa. It provides a window into lifestyles, cultures, and ideas far beyond what they might encounter through direct, physical experiences alone.
This exposure can profoundly affect their perceptions and decisions, offering a more nuanced understanding of the world and confronting them with complexities and moral dilemmas they may not have been prepared for.
Community and Identity
While social media offers the chance to connect with a broader community, it also challenges the Amish values of modesty, community, and separation from the world. The emphasis on self-presentation and the pursuit of likes and followers can clash with the communal and humble ethos of the Amish.
For some, this may lead to a deeper appreciation of their community’s values, while for others, it may catalyze a desire for a different path.
Decision-Making Process
The decision to join the Amish church permanently or leave for the outside world is monumental. Social media can play a critical role in this process, providing information and connections that can allure and deter.
Privacy and Surveillance
Privacy concerns are amplified in the context of Rumspringa and social media. Amish communities, which value privacy and discretion, may find the public nature of social media challenging.
Moreover, the digital footprint left by online activities can become a point of contention and anxiety for youths considering a return to the Amish way of life.
Decision Time: Life After Rumspringa
Life after Rumspringa varies significantly from individual to individual, but one constant remains—the importance of this decision. For many young Amish, the end of Rumspringa brings a decision to be baptized into the Amish church, a commitment to their faith and the Amish way of life.
This includes a dedication to community, simplicity, and a rejection of much of the modern technology that defines life outside the Amish community. It’s a testament to the strength of their convictions and the allure of a life centered around family, faith, and community work.
So, how do you make such an important decision?
However, this decision is not made lightly. The Amish understand the weight of this commitment; thus, the choice to join the church is made with great care and deliberation.
It’s a decision that often involves lengthy discussions with family members, who, while hoping for their children’s return to the fold, support their journey of self-discovery during Rumspringa. The role of the family in guiding, but not coercing, this decision cannot be overstated.
It’s a delicate balance of guidance and freedom, allowing the young person to come to their own understanding and decision.
Conclusion
Rumspringa stands as a pivotal rite of passage within the Amish community, embodying a profound period of exploration and self-discovery that ultimately shapes the future path of its young members.
This tradition, deeply rooted in the Amish culture, allows adolescents to experience the world beyond their community boundaries, granting them the freedom to make informed choices about their faith and lifestyle. It is a testament to the community’s faith in the strength of their upbringing and the enduring values of their way of life.
In essence, Rumspringa embodies our journey to find our place in the world. It reminds us of the value of exploration, the importance of making informed decisions, and the strength of a community’s traditions and beliefs.
Through understanding Rumspringa, we gain insight into the Amish way of life, a perspective that enriches our appreciation for diversity, tradition, and the enduring human quest for meaning and belonging.
FAQs
What is the purpose of Rumspringa?
Rumspringa is when Amish teenagers check out life beyond their community and decide if they want to stick with their Amish roots. It’s basically a chance for them to explore before deciding if they’re all in with the Amish way of life.
What can Amish do during Rumspringa?
During Rumspringa, Amish youth have the freedom to explore the non-Amish world, including modern technology, and attend various social events. This period allows them to experience life outside their community before deciding whether to commit to the Amish way of life.
Do all Amish do Rumspringa?
Yes, Rumspringa is a common practice among Amish communities, serving as a rite of passage for teenagers. However, the specifics of how it is observed can vary from one community to another.
Where does Rumspringa take place?
Rumspringa primarily takes place both within and just outside Amish communities, allowing youths to interact with the broader society. The experiences and activities during Rumspringa can vary widely depending on the individual and their community’s guidelines.