Dark Secrets Of Rumspringa

What Is Rumspringa?

Image Source / The Amish VillageRumspringa is the name for a time when Amish teenagers are permitted to go into the modern world, try modern things and leave their Amish way of life behind for a set period of time. It's supposed to be an experiment which will encourage the teens to then come back to the Amish church after they've explored.

Rumspringa Parties Can Be More Hardcore Than Regular Teen Parties

Image Source / www.wide-tour.comWe've all been to a party or two in our teens (or maybe we still do), and maybe we've run into a few problems like music being too loud for the neighbours or your mate's house fit to bursting with people who definitely weren't invited. But Rumspringa parties are taken to the max - they can have hundreds of Amish teens in attendance.

And They Can Be Quite Dangerous And Law-Breaking

Image Source / AudioboomThink about it - you're actually told to go out and have a mega party while you still can before returning to the church, so what do you think's gonna happen? Even non-Amish teens get dangerously crazy experimenting with alcohol and drugs, but police in 2020 said they'd arrested 40 teenagers from Rumspringa parties.

The Amish Use Social Media For A More Wild Rumspringa, Too

Image Source / All That's InterestingIf you're trying for a taste of the current modern world, then naturally you're going to have to give social media a go. The Amish use social media and smartphones to not only organise bigger and wilder Rumspringa parties, but they also post their own party selfies, too - hopefully none too embarrassing, like being sick in a club toilet.

Some Rebellious Amish Teens Don't Even Wait For Rumspringa

Image Source / Barstool SportsThere are actually some sneaky rebels within Amish farms, and they don't wait for Rumspringa for modern vices. They might sneak off while everyone else is in bed for their own exploration and partying, and they might even stash items in the family barn, like cigarettes and alcohol.

Rumspringa Can Encourage Reckless And Dangerous Driving

Image Source / Budgets Are SexyApparently Amish teens think that because they're permitted to go let off some steam for  a while, it means breaking the law. In recent years, a group of believed-to-be Rumspringa teens were pulled over for driving a minivan at 110 miles per hour, throwing beer cans out of their window and driving with a huge stash of alcohol in the van.

Some Amish Teens May Not Even Return After Experiencing Rumspringa

Image Source / amishoutlaws.comIt's a nice idea in theory to let young people experiment and then return to focus on more important things, but you're bound to have teens who decide that the modern way of life is more for them. Some Amish people don't return to the community after Rumspringa - one example of this was when a group of Amish decided to form the band the Amish Outlaws instead.

Amish Kids Love Beer

Image Source / FlickrRumspringa isn't just about being encouraged to experiment only for all the kids to find that beer tastes disgusting and they can't wait to go back. No, Amish teens actually love beer just as much as the modern teen. They're not averse to spirits like rum and vodka, either.

But Not All Amish Kids Use Rumspringa As An Excuse To Party

Image Source / Channel 4Surprisingly, a lot of cool-headed teens use this break from their community to do something very productive, and that can mainly be in regards to their education. Some teens use the opportunity away from their community to gain more education, like earning a modern day qualification. This is because, within the Amish community, school education is stopped at a certain age to make way for work and living skills instead.

Rumspringa Might Be A Sneaky Test Of Faith

Image Source / TLC GoRather than it seeming as though it's a generous offer for teens to relax and experience something different for a while, others can see it as a serious test of faith: to let teens out into the modern world and give in to their inhibitions and see if they return to the community, and their faith. If not, they've failed.

Teens' Behaviour During Rumspringa Can Still Be Disapproved Of

Image Source / RankerIt's a little harsh to think teens are permitted to go explore but at the same time be disapproved of if they try certain things. Apparently some parents are very worried and disapproving about certain actions but they can't exercise authority over that during the 'free' time of Rumspringa.

A Lot Of People Might Return To The Community Out Of Fear

Image Source / Learn ReligionsTeens experiencing Rumspringa are supposed to return on the basis of their unwavering faith, but a lot of teens might return on fear alone - which is considered the wrong reason. This is because Amish believe that anyone who isn't Amish will go to hell - so they return just to avoid that fate.

Rumspringa Can Be A Scary And Overwhelming Time For Amish Teens

Image Source / The GuardianIt's not all fun and games, really. For the Amish, it can almost be like being released from prison and told to go out into a world they've never experienced. They don't know what to do with themselves, or may feel threatened by a world they don't understand. Giving someone complete freedom is not always an enjoyable experience for them.

It's More Popular With Amish Boys Than Girls

Image Source / historic clothingApparently boys and girls take to the whole Rumspringa thing a little differently. Boys are more likely to dress in modern clothing, drive cars and live independently outside of the community for that bigger taste of freedom. Girls, on the other hand, are more likely to still wear their traditional Amish clothing, avoid driving cars and stick with families in the community they know.

It's Supposed To Be A Journey Of Self-Discovery, Not A Booze Fest

Image Source / LancasterOnlineRumspringa seems the perfect excuse to get drunk and party while you can, but it's not supposed to be that way (though there's no surprise that the 'party hard' idea has been embraced more than the 'self-discovery'). It's supposed to be a time to learn about yourself before you return to your community. But maybe you learn that you can't handle 10 shots of vodka.

The End Of Rumspringa Signals A Big Turning Point: Marriage Or Baptism

Image Source / SharedFor a lot of Amish teens, they may also be a little scared of Rumspringa for the daunting reality of what happens when it's over. When teenagers decide to return to the community (if they decide to return) then Rumspringa officially ends through them getting married, or being officially baptized into the Amish religion.

They Might End Up Starving Themselves Because Food Choices Are Overwhelming

Image Source / www.amishintribeca.comDrink whatever you like and eat whatever you like away from the Amish community - sounds great, right? But for a lot of Amish people during Rumspringa, they can end up struggling and going hungry because they're overwhelmed by modern-day food choices and don't know what to eat outside of their community.

Teens Are Terrified Of Dying And Going To Hell During Rumspringa

Image Source / Christian Science MonitorThe reality is that Rumspringa isn't a joke and these people could even be terrified for their lives (and souls) during it. Because they believe that anyone outside of the Amish faith will go to Hell when they die, they are then worried about dying during the Rumspringa period - which would mean they go to Hell, according to their beliefs.

Which Makes All These 'Freedom' Activities Even Scarier

Image Source / WITFA lot of people can meet tragic accidents when it comes to drinking too much, taking drugs, partying too hard, wandering around an unknown place or even drink driving. And especially when it's all completely new to you and you don't know what your limits are. That's what makes it even scarier for people who believe they'll go to Hell if the worst does occur during Rumspringa.

It's Estimated Around 80% Of Amish People Return To Their Community

Image Source / The SunFor many of us outside that community, it's easy to think 'oh they won't want to go back once they get a taste of freedom'. But actually around 80% of Amish people who leave for Rumspringa do return to their community - but the reasons may vary, such as being too scared not to return.

Rumspringa Isn't Actually Practised By Every Amish Community

Image Source / Clearbrook Treatment CentersFor all the importance placed on the Rumspringa tradition, it's not actually a 'law' for every single Amish community. Not every community practices this tradition, and surprisingly some Amish people haven't even heard of Rumspringa!

The Definition, Time Period And Rules Of Rumspringa Are A Little Hazy

Image Source / Bring it OnRumspringa doesn't work like 'You're now 16 so you must take Rumspringa for one year and then return'. It's actually very vague on the details. There's no set age when Rumspringa should begin, and there's no time limit either. Some Amish people might decide to take a week off at 15 years old. Others may decide to take Rumspringa at 17 years old for 2 years. The idea is that they take as long as they want.

You Don't Actually Have To Leave The Farm For Rumspringa

Image Source / PinterestIt's not a rule that you have to completely leave the community and go and live in a modern community for Rumspringa. You can actually still live on the Amish farm, but explore things like drinking alcohol there instead. Some teens may feel more comfortable exploring new vices in the community they know.

Some Rumspringa Traditions See Amish Teens Getting Drunk And Herding Sheep

Image Source / WikipediaIf Amish teens choose not to leave the farm, some communities have a tradition where the Amish teen officially begins Rumspringa by getting drunk on moonshine and herding sheep. Not only that, but they do so in the dark. Sometimes, bear traps will even be set up around the farm. In the dark. Yeah. Sounds more dangerous than actually going out into the world.

And Just A Reminder That Teens Drinking In The US Is Illegal

Image Source / Christian Science CenterAll this talk about going off when you're 17 or 18 from your Amish community and finding the most beer-filled party you can, but a little reminder that underage drinking is illegal in the US. So every Amish kid that goes out and does it is breaking the law. Most of the time, the police can choose to leave the Amish alone because they know they don't usually bother people, but if a drunken party gets out of hand, they have to step in.

Amish Girls Apparently Like To Take Off Their Bonnets And 'Grind'

Image Source / PinterestOne activity that's apparently popular with Amish teen girls during Rumspringa, if they've chosen the 'party hard' option, is to firstly take off their bonnets. Must be quite liberating if you have that on your head all day every day. And then they apparently like to 'grind' dance - not just casual dancing, but specifically grinding. Go figure.

Integrating Into Modern Society During Rumspringa Is Known As 'Going English'

Image Source / Soap DirtWhen Amish teens choose to leave the farm and venture into modern life while wearing modern clothes, it's called 'Going English'. This dates back to when Amish settlers would leave their community and join English society during colonial times, and the term just stuck.

Amish Teens Log On To Dating Apps During This Time, Too

Image Source / RedditIf you live near some Amish communities, you may come across an option to swipe on a Rumspringa teen who's recently joined up on the likes of Tinder or Bumble. But with most modern people still trying to navigate the stressful world of online dating, not to mention the unsolicited D-pics and unwanted messages from people you're not interested in, it would be no surprise if an Amish person was scared away.

And They Might Go All The Way, Too

Image Source / ImgurIf they're logging onto dating apps, you might then be thinking what the whole deal is with sex during Rumspringa, then. There are clearly loads of parties for friends hanging out, so surely dating apps would be for potential hook ups? Well apparently yes, the Amish do (or can) have sex during Rumspringa. Whether it's because they're more relaxed about sex before marriage or whether it's because it doesn't count on Rumspringa, it's not exactly clear.

The Boys Love Hairy Legs On Girls, Apparently

Image Source / Sad and Useless HumorSpeaking of sex - did you know that apparently boys love hairy legs on girls? Or at least that's what the girls have been told, and it might be true for Amish-boys specifically. That's kinda refreshing to hear in a world that's always making women feel like they need to shave.