The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

AMISH COURTSHIP CUSTOM

AMISH FARMERS OF BUCKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA PAINT THEIR
GATES BRIGHT BLUE TO INDICATE THE PRESENCE OF AN UNMARRIED
DAUGHTER. THIS GIVES YOUNG MEN PERMISSION TO INTRODUCE
THEMSELVES TO THE GIRL'S PARENTS IN ORDER TO ASK THEIR
PERMISSION TO COURT THEIR DAUGHTER. IN ADDITION, AMISH
HOUSES ARE BUILT WITH A VERY SMALL WINDOW AT THE PEAK OF
THE HOUSE. THE WINDOW IS LEFT OPEN, TRADITIONALLY, SO
THAT THE YOUNG MAN MAY SECRETLY VISIT THE YOUNG LADY.
HOWEVER, THE WINDOW IS PURPOSELY BUILT TOO SMALL TO ALLOW
SUCH CLANDESTINE VISITATION.
MY MOTHER TOLD ME THAT SHE RECALLS SEEING SUCH HOUSES
IN PENNSYLVANIA DURING THE 1940'S.

Submitter comment: THE MOTHER'S NAME IS MARY MORSILLO GINGERICH, BORN
OCTOBER 3, 1937, FARRELL, PENNSYLVANIA.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ROYAL OAK

Date learned: 09-00-1982