13th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Travel
A look into the world of the Amish - Mules with plough on their way home

A look into the world of the Amish in Pennsylvania Dutch Country The term ‘Pennsylvania Dutch‘ is referring to the German speaking Amish people. It is a dialect of Swiss German. The Amish largely share a Swiss-German ancestry, which gave me, as a Dutch citizen from Europe, a certain bond with them. So, I had the opportunity to speak in German with the Amish, which gave me the feeling to be a bit closer to them. With this photo series, I want to show the basic principles of Amish life. Two key values for understanding Amish practices are their rejection of Hochmut (pride, arrogance) and the high value they place on Demut (humility) and Gelassenheit (calmness, composure). These values are not always visible in the modern complex world we are living in. It is good to be aware of these values and to observe the Amish way of life. It places our own world in a different perspective. To be with the Amish brings back some sence of simplicity, lead you to the basics of life. It’s a good way to review on our own hectic complex modern world in which we live.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 08.2015
Date Uploaded: 09.2015
Photo Location: Ronks, Pennsylvania, United States of America
Camera: Canon EOS 600D
Copyright: © Cara Louwman