The Amish are known for their distinct Christian communities and a lifestyle centered on simplicity and devotion to God. One notable way Amish men demonstrate their faith is by growing long beards, a practice rooted in religious tradition.
However, unlike many contemporary beard trends, Amish men do not grow mustaches. This distinctive practice stems from historical military customs. During the 19th century, facial hair was often associated with soldiers, and Amish leaders chose to adopt the style of beards without mustaches as a way to differentiate themselves from military influences, reflecting their desire to maintain a peaceful, non-violent way of life.
Amish beards pay homage to the Bible
The Amish share a strong connection with Mennonite churches, but they distinguish themselves through unique practices that set them apart from other Christian groups. One such tradition is the growing of beards, which they view as a way to honor the Bible and its teachings. In the time described in their religious texts, men commonly wore full beards, as razors were not available, and Amish men adhere to this tradition by growing their beards.
However, the beard is not merely a sign of avoiding shaving—its significance extends beyond that. Only married men are permitted to grow beards in Amish culture, where a beard symbolizes a man’s transition into adulthood and his commitment to family life.
Pacifism is a core Amish belief
Leviticus 19:27 – “Do not cut the hair at the sides of your head or clip off the edges of your beard”– The Amish take this teaching to heart and follow it without exception.
Another key part of their faith is the belief in non-resistance, which is much like pacifism. They try to avoid conflict and don’t oppose authority, even when they believe something is unfair. This belief influences how they live, treat others, and view war. Since serving in the military goes against their values, they don’t enlist or take part in combat.
Mustaches were once closely associated with soldiers and military life, so Amish men choose not to grow them as a way to show their dedication to peace.
Why don’t Amish men sport mustaches?
Nowadays, sporting a mustache is a style preference, but historically, it was once a symbol of military service. Facial hair has been linked to warfare and the might of soldiers, especially in cultures where beards and mustaches are seen as symbols of masculinity. Even now, in some regions, soldiers wear facial hair to earn respect.
The British Empire made mustaches mandatory for soldiers
The British Empire, for example, held a strong preference for mustaches, even making it mandatory for soldiers at one point. This regulation remained in place until World War I, when maintaining a mustache became less of a priority and impractical due to the difficult conditions in the trenches on the Western Front.
Furthermore, the onset of gas attacks on battlefields raised worries that facial hair could prevent gas masks from sealing properly against the skin. As a result, the mustache requirement was abolished in October 1916.
The Amish beard avoids all association with the military
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Because of the strong ties between mustaches and military history, the Amish choose not to grow them as a way of rejecting any connection to military service. This tradition allows them to continue growing their beards while clearly separating themselves from anything related to war. It also serves another purpose: in Amish communities, a full beard is a sign that a man is married, taking the place of wearing a wedding ring.