Misconceptions about Rumspringa, the Amish Coming-of-Age Tradition
Rumspringa may be known to some as a time of rebellion for Amish teenagers, but it's actually a much broader term for a period of discernment in their lives.
This practice varies among different Amish communities, which shows that Amish culture is far from one-dimensional.
The basics of Amish communities
To understand what Rumspringa is, one must first know the basics of the Amish in America. Amish communities are a mix of religion and culture with German, Swiss, Dutch, and other European roots. They are traditional Anabaptists, a type of Christianity that emerged during the Protestant Reformation, in the 16th century. In the early 1700s, Amish people began immigrating to the United States, mainly settling in Pennsylvania and then spreading to other nearby states and parts of southeastern Canada.
Amish beliefs stem from Switzerland, but their practices can differ based on region, religious conservatism, and the specific ancestry of certain groups. Lancaster County, in Pennsylvania, has the largest Amish population in the US, with around 30,000 members. This population consists of approximately 229 distinct Amish districts, each with its own subcultures.
Many Amish communities share similar lifestyles, focusing on simple living inspired by a biblical interpretation that rejects worldly goods and comforts. These communities are rooted in rural activities such as farming and handcrafting. The family is central to the Amish way of life, often with multiple generations living together and sharing responsibilities.
Adolescence under the Amish way
"Rumspringa" is a Pennsylvania German word, derived from the German "herumspringen," meaning "to run/jump around." This term refers to the time when teenagers in Amish communities start exploring life beyond their upbringing. It typically begins around age 16 and lasts for a few years.
During this time, these teenagers are subjected to fewer rules than younger members of the community. They may also engage in activities that are generally discouraged.
Contrary to popular belief, Rumspringa doesn't always involve leaving their community or engaging in wild partying. The term simply describes the period of adolescence for Amish youth.
Richard A. Stevick, an expert on Amish culture at Messiah University in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, has observed this cultural phenomenon for 40 years. He believes that many Rumspringa teenagers don't significantly change their behavior or leave their homes during this time.
"The public fascination with Rumspringa would be much less if books and documentaries didn't focus on the most extreme examples," says Stevick. "For most Amish teenagers, Rumspringa is a time to understand Amish life without being under their parents' authority."
Some teenagers might join a social group within their community, while others may experiment with sports or attend gatherings usually reserved for adults. This experience is heavily dependent on the type of group they join.
The purpose of Rumspringa is to help young people decide whether they want to commit to the Amish way of life as an adult.
"Being born into an Amish community doesn't automatically mean you're part of the lifestyle," says Stevick. "There's a choice to be made — you must willingly choose to be baptized into the community."
The impact of modern life on Rumspringa
Stevick is intrigued by how advances in technology and social norms have altered the concept of Rumspringa for Amish teenagers, as well as curious outsiders.
"Most teens who go through Rumspringa will continue in their Amish communities as adults, but their access to information about the outside world has greatly increased," says Stevick. "This can lead to questioning whether they want to stay in the Amish lifestyle."
The stricter the community, the smaller the number of Rumspringa teenagers who ultimately leave. Stevick believes that modern technologies and new ways of thinking have the potential to sway young people from the Amish way of life.
However, it's difficult to obtain accurate figures on how many Amish teens leave after Rumspringa. Communities with stricter rules generally have higher retention rates.
Those at highest risk of abandoning their traditions are individuals with access to phones or any device that connects them to the outside world, as it broadens their horizons significantly.
Stevick, who has spent numerous years working with Amish communities, feels both astounded and touched by their undeniable resilience, the compassion they exhibit among themselves, and the palpable contentment that radiates through their daily lives.
"Every community has problematic members or those with insufficient moral compass. However, they lead lives replete with obstacles and pleasures," he explains.
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- During this time, some US-based Amish teenagers may use their increased access to modern technologies to gain insights into different lifestyles, potentially influencing their decision to fully embrace or depart from the Amish way of life.
- Despite the shifts brought about by technology and modern life, many US Amish communities maintain a strong sense of unity and resilience, with the majority of Rumspringa teenagers ultimately choosing to uphold the Amish way of life within their communities.
Source: edition.cnn.com
