Do Amish People Celebrate Valentine’s Day?
Yes, some Amish people celebrate Valentine’s Day, but it differs from how most people celebrate it. The Amish live simple, religious lives, so their approach to the holiday often reflects these values.
While some Amish see it as a chance to show love and appreciation, others avoid it because they believe it could lead to worldly influences or encourage early romantic relationships.
Let’s look at how Amish communities approach Valentine’s Day.
Mixed Feelings About 14th February Valentine’s Day
The Amish are not all the same, and their traditions can differ between communities. Because of this, some Amish people quietly celebrate Valentine’s Day, while others ignore it completely.
For Children
In some Amish schools, children exchange small Valentine’s cards or gifts, often as part of a fun lunch exchange. However, not all communities agree with this.
Some Amish parents and leaders worry that these activities could encourage romantic feelings in children, which they see as inappropriate. Valentine’s Day might not be celebrated in schools in these stricter communities.
For Adults
For Amish adults, Valentine’s Day is usually simple and personal. Couples may express their love through small gestures like a handwritten note or a kind act rather than giving significant, expensive gifts. Some might share a quiet meal to mark the day.
Why Some Amish Avoid Valentine’s Day
Secular Influences
Many Amish avoid traditions that are too “worldly” or tied to materialism. Since Valentine’s Day often involves buying cards, candy, and gifts, some Amish feel it doesn’t fit their focus on humility and modesty.
Early Romance
In conservative Amish communities, there is an effort to prevent young people from forming romantic relationships too early. Gifts or cards with messages like “Be Mine” might not be encouraged.
Keeping Life Simple
The Amish value simplicity in everything they do. Valentine’s Day, focusing on showing love through gifts or big gestures, might not align with their way of life. Instead, they focus on more meaningful, modest expressions of love.
How Some Amish Celebrate Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day is usually a small and quiet event for those who do celebrate. Here are a few ways Amish families and communities may mark the day:
Family Dinners
Some Amish families enjoy a special dinner together on Valentine’s Day. The meal might include heart-shaped cookies or red and pink desserts, but it’s all about spending time together rather than making a big fuss.
Handwritten Notes
Instead of buying cards or presents, Amish couples might write heartfelt letters to each other. These notes are a simple and meaningful way to show love and appreciation.
School Activities
Children might exchange small cards or gifts in communities that allow Valentine’s Day in schools. However, the focus is more on friendship than romance, and the activities are simple.
For Youth
Older Amish youth who are dating might exchange small tokens like candy or handwritten notes. However, this depends on the rules of their community, as some are stricter about romantic interactions.
Why Some Amish Avoid Celebrations
In many Amish communities, there are strong reasons for not celebrating Valentine’s Day. These reasons often tie back to their values and beliefs:
- Separating From the World: The Amish work hard to maintain a lifestyle separate from modern society. Avoiding Valentine’s Day is one way they stay true to their values and avoid outside influences.
- Religious Focus: For some Amish, holidays that are not connected to religious faith feel less important. They prefer to focus on their daily responsibilities and faith rather than celebrating a secular holiday.
Some Amish families take a balanced approach to Valentine’s Day. They might not fully celebrate the holiday, but they use it to show kindness and appreciation for their loved ones.
Instead of buying gifts or cards, they might spend extra time together or do something thoughtful for each other. This way, they acknowledge the idea of love while staying true to their values.
Whether or not Amish people celebrate Valentine’s Day depends on their community, family traditions, and personal beliefs.
For some, it’s a simple way to show love through small acts of kindness or sharing a meal. For others, it’s avoided altogether to stay focused on their faith and avoid worldly influences.
In the end, the Amish approach to Valentine’s Day reflects their commitment to living humble, simple lives centered on faith, family, and community. Whether they celebrate or not, their focus is always on the deeper values of love and relationships rather than the commercial aspects of the holiday.
