PENNSYLVANIA DUTCH

A Special Way of Life

The Pennsylvania Dutch were actually Germans. The name comes from the German word Deutsch, (meaning "German") which was mistakenly changed to the English word Dutch. The term refers to a grouping of German religious sects which included Amish, Mennonites, Moravians, and German Baptist Brethren. The Amish and Mennonites, especially, settled mainly in the Lancaster County area, which is the stronghold of "Pennsylvania Dutch Country".

These were simple people. They were members of religious groups that had in common a belief in basic human dignity guided by his own conscience. They did not need ministers and elaborate churches and ceremonies. When they settled in Pennsylvania, their language, customs, and religions set them apart and helped lead them to keep their homes close together. This allowed them to keep their way of life without melding in with other settlers.

Today, many of these people continue to follow the traditions of their ancestors. Living a simple life, they are not ignoring the modern world, but they do choose to live a less complicated life than most of us do. In this way they believe they can concentrate more on the most important things in life instead of competing with each other to get all of the latest things. Each year, many people travel to Pennsylvania Dutch Country to see this life they have chosen. More than a few of these visitors go away thinking that by giving up some of the luxuries of modern life, they may have gained much more. See also:

Lancaster County Vistor Center