Rumspringa is a period of experimentation and freedom for Amish teenagers, during which they can experience mainstream American culture without worrying about the consequences of their elders. This period typically lasts about two years, after which they are expected to return to the Amish community and follow all laws of Amish society. If they choose not to return, they will be shunned by their family and community. A documentary film called Devil’s Playground was made about this rite of passage, and a reality TV series called “Amish in the City” placed Amish teenagers in a home with American teenagers.
Rumspringa is the term for Amish teenagers’ period of experimentation and freedom from religious rules, when they are able to live on their own, drive cars, drink, and experience other aspects of mainstream American culture without worrying about the consequences of their elders. The term is a literal translation of the Pennsylvania German expression, “to run around.”
Traditionally, the Amish family are closely related and obey religious rules, such as forgoing the use of electricity, cell phones, and automobiles, and wearing modest clothing at all times. Women wear long dresses and bonnets, while men wear gowns and beards. They are devoutly religious and often go to church. During the rumspringa season, however, young people are exempt from all the traditional behaviors and rules of the Amish community.
This is a training experience that generally begins around the age of 16. While many Amish teenagers will continue to live in their parents’ home during this time, others may move. Teens often experience the “English” lifestyle, which is how they relate to mainstream American culture. They may go to bars or nightclubs, drive cars, and date non-Amish people. At the end of the period, which traditionally lasts about two years, the teenagers are expected to return to the Amish community in order to be baptized, after which they are expected to follow all laws of Amish society.
If an Amish teenager is baptized and then leaves the community, he will be shunned and his family and community will refuse to speak to or associate with him ever again. Even though some Amish teenagers will decide to marry “British” partners and integrate into American society, or decide to live independently, the vast majority of Amish teenagers return to their communities. However, some teenagers may extend the rumspringa period for many years before returning home.
In 2002, a documentary film called Devil’s Playground was made about Amish teenagers experiencing this rite of passage. The documentary followed a group of teenagers during the rumspringa period, with interviews about their mixed emotions about returning to the Amish community. Most recently, a reality TV series called “Amish in the City” placed Amish teenagers in a home with American teenagers.
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