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nois. Typically, each school includes two teachers, who tend to be unmarried Amish women. One teaches students first through fourth grade, while the other teaches students fifth through eighth grade. Amish schools feature courses in subjects such as math, social studies, spelling, writing and health. Science is not taught, however, because the Amish do not believe it is a necessary course of study. Likewise, the Amish believe that any knowledge attained past the eighth grade is “worldly” knowledge and is not required for the simple Amish lifestyle; therefore, Amish school teachers are also only educated to the eighth grade. School normally ends with the arrival of May. This allows children more time to work on the family farm. The Amish hold a large picnic to celebrate the end of each school year. Amish children usu-
ally spend their evenings in the family home, where reading and board games occupy leisure time. WEDDINGS Many Amish people marry at the age of 19 or 20. In past years, Amish newlyweds made a living from parcels of land given to them as gifts by one of the fathers. Today, that is less common and young married couples often purchase land upon which to build. Examining facial hair works well when trying to determine the marital status of an Amish man. Married Amish men have beards. Unmarried Amish men are clean-shaven. Amish men are not allowed to don mustaches. As in most Amish customs, religion plays a large role in the lives of married couples. Prior to marrying, Amish men and women must join the Amish church. This process includes baptism. Amish weddings, which are usually day-long celebrations that draw 200 to 500 guests, begin with 2-hour religious services followed by a wedding ceremony. The bride often wears a royal blue dress and a white prayer cap. Weddings normally take place in the home of a relative of the bride. Following an Amish wedding, a large celebratory meal is served. The crowd eats in shifts. During the celebration, the wedding couple usually sits in a corner of a room. The crowd then spends the afternoon singing hymns to the newly married couple. Newlyweds assist the hosts with cleaning their homes and washing dishes after the ceremony has ended. Amish people do not wear wedding rings. CHURCH Each Sunday, Amish families gather for church services conducted in German in homes across the countryside. A week prior to each
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PAGE 10 | 2013 Discover Visitor & Vacation Guide To Central Illinois