The most obvious symbol of the Amish is their horse-drawn buggy.
Buggies come in many styles and colors, reflecting the preferences of
the various communities. As illustrated on this page, the traditional
black buggy is not as traditional as Englishers may think. Various
types of buggies can be equated to Englishers cars and trucks. The
market wagon, which has a rear panel that lifts, is closest to the
station wagon. The spring wagon, or cab wagon, is the equivalent of the
pickup truck.
In Lancaster County, buggies with gray
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tops belong to the Amish and
all black buggies signify Old Order Mennonites. Other differences can
be found in buggies based on the degree of conservatism of the
individual church district leaders. Such differences can include
windows, window wipers, battery powered head-, tail- and directional
lights, rubber or steel-rim wheels, etc.
One concession to modern civilization has been forced upon the
Amish buggy. After numerous accidents at night involving fast moving
cars and slow |
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moving black buggies, the Amish have added reflective tape
to the back of their buggies. Less conservative groups have added
battery-powered lights and installed slow-moving vehicle triangles.
Even so, some groups have refused to “adorn” their vehicle with
these “loud” or “fancy” implements. In Harmony, Minnesota, the issue
divided the Amish community and resulted in a State Supreme Court ruling
in favor of those who had resisted their use. |