Old Order Amish are no longer a small secular group, but a growing population that call 32 states and 6 Canadian provinces home. If you live near Ohio, then you certainly have seen a horse and buggy, as 62 percent of all Old Order Amish reside there. They are our neighbors, the shops we frequent, the laborers we hire. Chances are, you have noticed a few things aside from dressing Plain. Its summertime, so there is a lot of bare feet and lush gardens. Long sleeves, commonly part of the Amish dress code, are often pushed up.

Amish men are easily identified, as they have a distinctive appearance. They’re well known for their traditional, conservative attire and full beards. There are numerous references to beards in the Bible. Nineteen verses mention them. One of the most quoted biblical texts regarding beards is Leviticus chapter 19 verse 27, which says, “Do not cut the hair at the sides of your head or clip off the edges of your beard”.

The Amish are a very conservative Christian sect. They hold the Bible and its teachings in high esteem, as the inspired word of God. And therefore, they believe that if beards are seen so positively in the Bible, it must be a sign of piety. As part of their Ordnung, the general rules each community adheres to follow, beards are just as much a part of the Amish dress code as kapps and bonnets.

Long before becoming an Amish author, I’d read many a story or article that once an Amish man marries, he begins growing a beard to symbolize his status. Well, that might be true in some areas, but not everywhere. Living among the Amish of northern Kentucky, I’ve noticed a few differences not seen in Ohio, or certain areas of Indiana.

It was about six years ago while driving my former neighbor that we stopped at the local Amish store. There I noticed a young man sporting a little scruff on his face. He looked to be fourteen. No way was this kid married! I asked my friend that exact question and she informed me that some of the young men, once they’ve transitioned from boyhood to manhood start growing a beard. She stated that many settlements allow for this. While some areas hold true to keeping a clean shave until the wedding day, here in my neck of the woods, young men begin growing facial hair after baptism.

There is no sign of married or unmarried, as those living within neighboring communities know each other well enough to know who’s hitched and who isn’t. The Amish don’t wear rings or any other tell-tale signs of relationship status.

When passing a buggy or visiting one of the local Amish shops, you can only know if a young man or woman are members of their church if you see a beard or a lopa, a small length of pleaded fabric, on the back of a woman’s dress.