The Amish community is known for its unique lifestyle that has raised many questions. The men are even more distinguished with their style which involves plain clothes, hats, and full beards. But why is it that Amish men don’t have mustaches? This guide is here to unravel the mystery behind the odd practice, which can give insight into the Amish community lifestyle.
History of the Amish Community
The Amish community is a conservative Christian group that originated in the 16th century in Europe. The early Amish dissociated away from the followers of Ulrich Zwingli, a reformer. The group could not agree about adult baptism and church-state relations, which led to the Amish community.
After the disagreements, they were largely persecuted which drove them to migrate and settle in colonial America in the 18th century. The migrants formed the first Amish community, where they were free to practice their faith.
Currently, many of the Amish communities are known to settle around Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Indiana. Something that the community values a lot is their appearance. Their faith has guided their lifestyle, many of them embracing plain clothes with limited colors, suspenders, straw hats, and bonnets.
The community has always observed the clothing lifestyle, which distinguishes them as separate people committed to their religious commitments.
Why Don’t Amish Men Have Mustaches?
The Amish men stand unique with long beards without mustaches. But why do they practice this and what does it mean? The facial hair pattern of Amish men comes with a deep historical and religious significance.
Facial hair holds a spiritual significance, especially for married men who join the church as baptized members. Growing an untrimmed beard signifies maturity and responsibility, as the household head.
The beard represents humility, piety, and manliness even with the household head status. Ther practices in having a beard without mustaches align with the Amish teachings which emphasize the gender roles and outward signs of obedience.
While the men grow their beards while shaving mustaches, the women will also wear head coverings after marriage, reflecting obedience as well. While Amish have embraced growing beards, some other cultures including Islamic and Jewish have also viewed growing beards as a sign of respect and wisdom.
In Summary, the reason why Amish men don’t have mustaches is because untrimmed beards hold a religious significance. Mustaches are prohibited because they contradict their historical associations and religious interpretations.
Religious Beliefs and Interpretations
The Amish community has heavily relied on the bible, to justify their reason behind facial looks for men and women. The community has explained that God intended men to grow facial hair on the chin but not on the upper lip.
They have drawn the messages from bible verses like Leviticus 19:27 which states “You shall not round off the side growth of your beards nor harm the edges of your beard”
Amish men have continued to adhere to their cultural beliefs and practices, something that has set them apart, as they continue with obedience and humility.