The Amish hold humility as a highly-cherished value and view pride as a threat to community harmony. Because items such as personal photographs can accentuate individuality and call attention to ones self, they are prohibited from the home.

Why cant you take a picture of the Amish?

Considering it a violation of the Second Commandment, which prohibits the making of graven images, the Amish believe any physical representation of themselves (whether a photograph, a painting, or film) promotes individualism and vanity, taking away from the values of community and humility by which they govern their

Is it OK to photograph Amish?

Its actually NOT against an Amish persons religion to be photographed. The Amish religion does, however, prohibit POSING for photographs. Some Amish completely refuse to allow themselves to be photographed. Posed photos in particular may be seen as a show of pride.

Why do Amish have beards?

In order to separate themselves physically from those who would engage in military service (while letting the world know they were married, because the Amish dont exchange wedding rings), they decided to grow beards but shave their lips.

Why do Amish not pay taxes?

Because of the lack of information thats led to the assumption that the Amish do not pay any taxes at all. That is simply not true. There are taxes that are not paid by the Amish, but in each of these cases, its because: they dont consume the service or product involved and so do not pay the excise/consumption tax.

Why do Amish have weird haircuts?

This might be called a bowl cut which is how many mothers cut their sons hair. This was how many boys in rural areas had their hair cut during the 19th century which is presumably why it became so common among the Amish. It was a simple practical sollution which further recommended it to the Amish.