The Amish are a group of traditionalist Christian church fellowships known for their relatively “old-fashioned” way of life. As part of living out what they believe to be God’s word, Amish men wear long beards. Nowadays, bearded men aren’t all that uncommon, with various styles being popular.
However, unlike those who grow beards for fashion, you won’t find an Amish man with an unshaven upper lip. This choice, surprisingly, traces back to the military.
Amish beards pay homage to the Bible
The Amish, though closely related to Mennonite churches, have practices and traditions distinct from other Christian groups.
The beard serves as a tribute to the Bible. During the times depicted in the religious texts—long before the advent of modern razors—most men wore full beards. Devout Amish men pay tribute to this tradition by growing their own beards.
However, it isn’t just a matter of never shaving – only married men are allowed to stop. Growing a beard signals to the community that he has officially become a man.
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” – is a core belief of the Amish, one they follow religiously. Another is pacifism.
Technically, the Amish practice non-resistance, which is regarded as a form of pacifism. It’s the practice of not resisting authority, no matter the situation, even if one considers it unfair. While this typically relates to their daily life, fighting in a war or in battle is considered a form of resistance to the Amish, meaning they don’t perform any type of military service.
Therefore, the mustache must go.
Why don’t Amish men sport mustaches?
Today, the mustache is a fashion choice, but it was once a symbol of military service. Facial hair has long been associated with war and the strength of troops, particularly in areas of the world where beards and mustaches are deemed to be more masculine. Even today, facial hair is worn by soldiers in certain regions as a way to gain respect.
For example, the British Empire were big fans of the mustache, going so far as to make it mandatory for soldiers at one point. This requirement remained in place until World War I, when maintaining a mustache wasn’t only a low priority, but also impossible in the harsh conditions of the trenches along the Western Front.
Furthermore, the appearance of gas on battlefields sparked fears that facial hair would prevent a gas mask from completely sealing against the skin. As such, the requirement was dropped in October 1916.
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With such strong ties to war history, the Amish choose to not sport mustaches in rejection of military service. This allows them to continue growing their beards while avoiding any association with the military. It helps let others know who’s married, too, as it’s worn in lieu of a wedding ring.