Some of the most well-known Amish beliefs center around their aversion to modern electronics and the religion's dependence on agriculture in order to sustain their lifestyle. But one of the biggest mysteries of the Amish faith is rumspringa, an Amish coming-of-age ritual where teenagers leave their farm to explore the outside world, all while deciding whether or not they want to stay in the Amish religion. If the Amish teens don’t return to their families, they have to leave the farm and find their own way in the world, but if they decide to stick with the Amish faith, they have to deny all worldly pleasures and give themselves over to God.
What do Amish teenagers actually do when leave their families in order to find themselves amongst the riff-raff of middle America? Do Amish teens cast off their dorky clothes in favor of jeans and t-shirts, drive cars, and drink a lot of beer, or...? Read along, and explore the truth behind rumspringa.
There are differing reports on the actual length of rumspringa, with some reports saying it lasts one to two years, and others saying it lasts as long as an Amish teen chooses. Which, if true, means that it's possible for rumspringa to act as a kind of endless summer for some members of the Amish community.
Throughout Pennsylvania, rumspringa parties are notoriously crazy. According to a report from NBC, teens come from Illinois, Ohio, and Michigan to party in the rural wooded areas.
While the easiest rumspringa comparison is spring break, there isn't actually a specific time of the year when Amish teens let down their bonnets. Most Amish teens begin their rumpsringa at 16 years old, giving them enough life experience to somewhat function in normal society, while also providing enough time to lead a full life as a member of the community.
Believe it or not, even the Amish have moved into the 21st century. Thanks to Facebook and smartphones, teens are able to put together crazy rumspringa parties with a few keystrokes. They aren't just using social media to put together gnarly Amish hangs, the kids are also posting pictures of themselves partying on their buggies and wearing "English," or worldly, clothes.
Jacob Shelton
