By Brenda Nixon
Amazing! Did you know about Suspendergate?
There are different rules on suspender-use among the Amish, just as there are rules on hats, shoes, and ladies’ bonnets.
This post provides you some insight into the varied and complex Amish world. One cannot say, “All Amish” do this or that.
My learning curve about the culture and its confines began in 2009 when the “Ex-Men” [a group of former Swartzentrubers] graced my life. Then Mosie, our first “adopted” ex-Amish son moved into our home.
This sideways wear you’ll see among the Belleville, PA Amish. I’m unsure if their settlement rules dictate the right shoulder but, it’d seem so as all are wearing the single suspender across to the right.
And wow, did you know that Milverton, Ontario Amish suspenders can be white, black, blue, and patterned?
The suspenders may be held in place with either buttons or clasps, which is also mandated within an order’s settlement.
My ex-Amish friend, John, who now lives in TX had this to say, “Neither one of the pics show suspenders that would pass in the community I grew up in. Ours had to be an X in the back that literally crossed each other. I see one that resembles an X except the strand on the right shoulder stays at the right at the bottom. That was against our rules…we were raised on fine details.”
Former Amish Daniel said, “Ours had to be a dark color. When I lived in IL they had to cross in the back and be sewn together, church law.”
The uber strict Swartzentruber Order of Amish rarely wear suspenders. Someone asked me how Swartzentrubers keep their pants up. I’ve seen their pants sag and bag, and belts are verboten, too! Nebraska Amish in Big Valley, PA forbid suspender use.
~~
Republished with permission from Brenda Nixon, local author.
