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Can You be Amish If You Have Tattoos?
Tattoos are a form of body modification used to express individuality and artistry. Tattoos can be small or large, covering a single spot on your body or an entire back.
You can choose a design from among the vast array of options available.
No! Amish doesn’t approve of body modifications or self-expression through body art. The members self-identify as faith members but don’t try to express their individualistic individuality through body modification.
Amish beliefs and traditions were founded on the principle of simplicity and humility.
They believe that their body modifications should not be to portray their individualistic individuality but should be done to benefit community and family unity.
One would never find a religious person with tattoos or body modifications on them.
The Amish are criticized for their beliefs in body modification and self-expression. In their culture, religious believers consider their bodies sacred and holy, so they protect them from urban trends.
Modifying human bodies to display fashion trends without consent is offensive and blasphemous.
Amish is a traditional Christian sect and does not follow the same ideologies as other sects, especially regarding self-expression and body modification.
They don’t allow tattoos or body modifications on their skin because they are believed to be evil, yet they also believe that their souls remain pure no matter what.
Getting A Tattoo After Becoming Amish
As an Amish, getting a tattoo would be a significant departure from the cultural and religious norms that govern the Amish way of life.
The Amish believe in simplicity, humility, and living a life separate from the modern world. Tattoos are a form of self-expression that conflicts with the Amish belief in humility and the importance of living a simple and unassuming life.
Additionally, getting a tattoo after becoming Amish could be seen as rejecting the community and the way of life.
It may also lead to social ostracism from the community, as the Amish are known for their tight-knit social structures and strict adherence to tradition.
In this way, getting a tattoo could be seen as a sign of rebellion against the community and an outward rejection of Quaker values.
Getting a tattoo after becoming Amish may also be seen as a sign of immorality because the Amish are known for their high level of morality. The community values modesty and self-control over sexuality and other matters.
One example of a modern Amish getting a tattoo is Ethan Yoder, who had his arm tattooed with the words “Speedy” and “Tiger” with flames around his elbow.
Yoder, a son of Amish parents, led a rebellion against the Amish community when he refused to attend Rumspringa and return to the Amish way of life.
Yoder and several others of his generation left the Amish community, attended university, and took on modern practices at odds with Amish beliefs. Yoder is now a tattoo artist in Detroit.
Five Ways To Remove A Permanent Tattoo
| Method | Pros | Cons |
| Laser Removal | -Effective. – Affordable. – No downtime. | -More Treatments required. |
| Surgical Removal | -Fast. – Permanent (works on all skin tones). | -More expensive. – Big scarring potential. |
| Acid Peels | -Affordable. – Temporary solution for people who don’t want to opt for laser removal. | -No effect on really dark skin tones. |
| Dermabrasion | -Fast – Permanent (works on all skin tones). | -More expensive. – Big scarring potential. |
| Cover-up Tattoo | -Permanent (works on all skin tones). | -Less permanent than the above options. – Less effective on darker skin tones. |
| Baby Oil | -Quick and easy. – Does not leave a greasy feeling like all the other methods. | Unsuitable for use on darker skin tones. |
| Potato peeling | -Fast and affordable. – Permanent (works on all skin tones). | Not suitable for use on darker skin tone. |
What Are The Taboos Of The Amish?
1. Education
The Amish believe in something other than formal education, and thus, children are never formally taught to read and write in Amish communities. They believe that formal learning can lead to pride which leads to arrogance.
2. Technology
The Amish also believe in a 30-year moratorium on technology, so they primarily use horse-drawn buggies and traditional farm equipment like mules, oxen, or scythes.
They also avoid using electric machinery of any kind, such as power tools, sewing machines, fans, or other devices common in other communities.
3. Toilet
Amish don’t have indoor plumbing, so outhouses are common in Amish communities. They also use dry toilets, which are shoe boxes with holes at the bottom and filled with sawdust.
When the sawdust gets too full, it is dumped into a nearby dirt pile and removed from the box.
4. Clothing
Most dress casually, especially during warmer weather, believing formal clothing will lead to vanity and pride. During cold weather, they prefer to wear lots of layers.
5. Food
Popcorn and pretzels are forbidden in Amish communities, as they believe it will lead to vanity and craving more than you can afford.
They also only eat their main meals sitting down at tables in the company of their families.
Amish often sit on sailcloth-covered benches or wooden stools (called ‘dishes’ by the English) so that their clothes won’t get dirty from sitting on them.
6. Listening to Music
Amish don’t listen to radio or music, believing listening will lead to pride. They also believe that the lyrics in pop and rock songs are often very racy and pornographic and, therefore, should never be listened to by anyone.
7. Tattoos & Piercings
Amish don’t have tattoos or piercings (aside from simple ‘tongue rings’) as they view such things as vain, dangerous, and unnatural.
5 Things You Must Do Before Becoming Amish if You Have Tattoo
| Method | Explanation |
| Explore Tattoo Removal options | -Remove your tattoos. – Paint over your tattoos with a different color. |
| Consider the Meaning of your Tattoos | -Discover the origins of your tattoos. – Consider how it may have affected your life in the past. – Consider ways to change. |
| Research Amish Beliefs and Practices | -Explore Amish history and beliefs. – Try to see it from their perspective. |
| Seek Guidance from an Amish community member | -Get an introduction through an Amish friend or family member. – Have an informal conversation with an Amish person. |
| Spend Time with an Amish community | -Spend at least 3 weeks with the community. – Attend church several weekends in a row and participate in the community. |
Why Amish does not Allow Tattooing?
The Amish community follows Leviticus 19:28: “You shall not do any cuttings in your flesh.” So, they consider tattooing a form of self-mutilation and a violation of God’s command.
Another reason the Amish do not allow tattooing is that it goes against their belief in simplicity and modesty. They believe that our bodies are gifts from God and that we should not deface them in any way.
The community also believes tattoos are a form of self-expression that draws attention to oneself, which goes against their belief in humility and putting the community before the individual.
Furthermore, tattoos are seen as a form of vanity, which is discouraged in the Amish community. They believe our focus should be on serving God and others, not our appearance or desires.
Additionally, tattoos are often associated with the mainstream culture, which the Amish seek to avoid.
They strive to live a life separate from the outside world and its influences, and tattoos are seen as a way of identifying with that culture. Therefore, the Amish try to avoid being identified with this culture.
Generally, the Amish believe our bodies are sacred and should be treated with respect and reverence. Tattooing is seen as a form of blasphemy and therefore is not allowed within the Amish community.
What are Strict Mennonite rules?
1. Dress code: Many Mennonites dress in a plain, modest manner. This can include wearing head coverings, plain dresses for women, and simple, conservative clothing for men.
2. Church Discipline: Some Mennonites belong to a congregation that practices church discipline.
This includes refusing to speak with someone who has broken the church rules or even refusing to let them work in the congregation’s kitchen.
3. Technology: Many Mennonites avoid using electronic devices like television, computers, and smartphones to better focus on spiritual matters and engagement with family members.
4. Food: Many Mennonites avoid eating at fast food restaurants because many of their congregations have health codes that require them to provide healthy meals for their members.
5. Transportation: Many Mennonites don’t use public transportation like taxis, buses, or trains. They value the convenience of driving their cars because they can drive on less traveled roads.
6. Health care: Some Mennonites have a simple, low-tech healthcare system in which local nurse practitioners and family doctors provide all care.
Others keep a higher standard of medical care for themselves and others in their congregations by obtaining health insurance or making cash payments for medical expenses.
Is Body Image A Big Issue In Amish Communities?
The Amish generally don’t believe in getting tattoos, as they view the body as a gift from God that should be respected and kept pure. Therefore, body image concerns related to tattoos are typically an issue within Amish communities.
Tattoos are generally considered a form of self-expression in mainstream society, but within the Amish community, self-expression is typically discouraged in favor of conformity to community norms and values.
The Amish community is rigid in its laws, and tattooing is considered a form of rebellion against the community.
With tattoos, individuals say they do not believe the Amish way is best for everyone; thus, it can be considered disrespectful towards their community.
The community generally believes that it is best to follow the rules, and rebellious people are typically viewed as selfish and without proper morals.
People with tattoos may be viewed as wanting to go against their communities’ ways, which would be considered a break from the community and unacceptable.
What are the Amish Hair rules?
| Category | Men | Women and Girls | Boys |
| Hair Length | Short | Long | Long until around age 2, then cut short. |
| Hair Style | Simple and unstyled | Simple and unstyled, bangs allowed but not encouraged. | Simple and unstyled |
| Hair Covering | None | Covered at all times in public with a prayer covering or bonnet. | None |
| Facial Hair | Mustache is allowed, beard is mandatory once married. | None | None |
Can I Become Amish If I Weren’t Born Amish?
Yes! Although difficult and rare, you can become an Amish if not born Amish. There are several ways to become Amish:
1. Conversion
You can be baptized and join the church. This is the most traditional way. You must have permission from your Amish parents, who will decide if you are ready to take this step.
2. Marriage
You can marry an Amish person and join the church as their spouse (or vice versa). Before marriage, the spouses must undergo pre-marital training and learn about Amish culture.
3. Convincement
This is similar to conversion, but instead of baptism, you convince the church leaders that you will fit in and be a good community citizen.
4. Humility
This is a step that only certain circumstances will allow. You can apply to move back if you have been removed from your Amish community.
If you have not been raised in the church, you can apply after gaining a deeper understanding of its teachings.
This may be a difficult process, but if all goes well, the church leaders will decide if you should be allowed to return.
Are There Any Black Amish?
Yes! While the Amish are primarily a white, European-American religious group, few black Amish people exist. Most black Amish are descendants of African-American converts who joined the Amish church in the 20th century.
Some black Amish people have also been adopted into Amish families through formal adoption or marrying into an Amish family.
Note that the number of black Amish people is very small compared to the overall population.
Estimates suggest that there are only a few hundred black Amish people in the United States out of a total Amish population of around 350,000.
At the same time, black Amish people are still very active in the church community, often carrying out many of the same church duties as other Amish people.
Black Amish members adhere to mainstream American culture and lifestyle like other Amish people. They typically work in agriculture, farming, and making wooden furniture, and live in the same type of houses as other Amish.
Most black Amish people speak Pennsylvania Dutch, a German dialect that other Amish groups also speak. Like other Amish people, black families avoid modern technology such as televisions and cars.
They are expected to dress plainly, avoiding bright colors and patterns, and typically wear modest clothing such as long dresses for women and baggy pants for men.
Conclusion
If you want to become an Amish, you should know that the Amish are a strong Christian denomination. They strongly uphold their values and principles and will not tolerate any form of immorality.
This religion is, therefore, really for only those who want to truly follow God in everything else, including how you dress and how you live your life.
