The Commercialization of Old Order Amish Quilts: Enduring and Changing Cultural Meanings

Traditional Amish culture is an enduring culture that is characterized and driven by a simplicity that is sharply contrasted with the complex daily lives of contemporary mainstream Americans. Yet, Amish culture is not static; rather it is a dynamic culture that has realized change primarily driven by increased interaction with the non-Amish who have become interested in Amish-made products. The purpose of this paper is to illustrate how quilts, a symbol of traditional Amish culture, have become a catalyst that has contributed to both change as well as perseverance in Amish culture. This research is based on a year of ethnographic participant observation in an Old Order Amish settlement. The commercialization of Amish quilts has created an important economic connection to the complex outside world and as a result has contributed to both enduring and changing cultural meaning.