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If you've ever been to many rural areas of the United States, you might have heard the terms "Amish" and "Mennonite" mentioned. To put it simply, both are religious groups with common roots and similar beliefs. But telling the difference, especially as an outsider, can be difficult. This article will teach you how to figure this out.

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  • Question

    Do Amish and Mennonites get along?

    wikiHow Staff Editor

    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

    wikiHow Staff Editor

    wikiHow Staff Editor

    Staff Answer

    In general, yes. While people may disagree on an individual level, the Amish and Mennonite groups generally coexist peacefully and will work together to support the needs of their local communities. For example, Amish and Mennonite volunteers work together on Anabaptist charitable projects such as the Mennonite Disaster Service.

  • Question

    Who are more strict, the Amish or the Mennonites?

    wikiHow Staff Editor

    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

    wikiHow Staff Editor

    wikiHow Staff Editor

    Staff Answer

    The Amish tend to be stricter and more conservative in their beliefs and practices than the Mennonites. For example, the Amish tend to live in isolated communities and avoid using modern technology, while the Mennonites are not restricted in these ways.

  • Question

    Can Mennonites watch TV?

    wikiHow Staff Editor

    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

    wikiHow Staff Editor

    wikiHow Staff Editor

    Staff Answer

    Mennonites can and do watch TV, although it is not encouraged by the church. Many households don't have a television set, but will watch TV on occasion (e.g., to see major sporting events).

  • Question

    May I write to an Amish person, and will they answer my letter?

    Community Answer

    When writing a letter to an Amish person, the letter should be addressed to the leader of that community, especially If they are old school Amish. Whether you receive an answer or not depends on the leader and the context of the question. They are very private people.

  • Question

    Can an Amish person date or marry someone who is not Amish? If not, is there a punishment for doing so?

    Michael Schlemback

    Michael Schlemback

    Community Answer

    They can, but, it all depends on the parents. In Amish culture, the parents must approve of the person their child will be marrying. In this situation, the parents most likely will not approve.

  • Question

    What does "Amish bonnet" mean?

    Community Answer

    These are large headgear worn by Amish women. Married women wear white, while black bonnets are for the unmarried.

  • Question

    What is the word for the hairpiece used to cover an Amish woman's hair?

    EMBend

    The hairpiece used to cover an Amish woman's hair is called a "bonnet." White bonnets are worn by women who are married, while black bonnets are worn by women who are unmarried.

  • Question

    What is the white cloth women pin to their hair?

    Community Answer

    A bonnet. White bonnets are for the married, while black are for the unmarried. Unmarried women are not common in the Amish community (Old Order).

  • Question

    Is it acceptable to give a gift to a baby if the parents are Mennonites?

    Community Answer

    Yes, the Mennonites are accepting of outside customs, such as celebrating the birth of a child with a thoughtful gift.

  • Question

    Does the color of the bonnets of Mennonite women mean anything?

    Community Answer

    Yes, white bonnets are worn by married women and black bonnets are worn by unmarried women.

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