Frolics and Barn-Raisings: Mutual Aid Amongst the Amish

Take a Look at the Amish Traditions of Collective Action and Solidarity.

Photo via Pixabay

The Amish community is renowned for its deep-rooted sense of solidarity, demonstrated through various traditional practices highlighting their mutual aid. One prominent example is the Frolic, a cultural event where community members gather to socialize and collaborate on communal projects.

Frolics are more than just social events; they are a manifestation of mutual aid and collective struggle. During these gatherings, community members come together to work on tasks that benefit everyone involved.

This could include anything from sewing quilts to preparing a community meal. They may also build barns, homes, or harvest fields. The collaborative spirit of frolics reinforces the Amish value of mutual support and shared responsibility.

Image by Amyd from Pixabay

Barn-Raisings: A Collective Effort

When an Amish family requires a new barn, church, or home, the community organizes a barn-raising. This event is a powerful example of collective action. The process begins with the host family arranging materials and logistics in advance. 

On the designated day or days, all the men in the community converge to construct the building, often completing it within a single day. This practice not only provides immediate assistance but also strengthens community bonds.

You can see this tradition in action by watching the time-lapse video below of a barn-raising event.

Quilting Parties and Harvesting Crops

Photo by Erik Mclean via Pexels

In addition to barn-raisings, the Amish engage in other forms of mutual aid. Women often host quilting parties, where they come together to create quilts for those in need. These quilts provide warmth and comfort and symbolize the community’s care and support.

Similarly, neighbors may step in to harvest their crops or provide other assistance if a community member is injured or facing difficulties. This practical support underscores the Amish commitment to helping one another in times of need.

The Amish spirit of mutual aid extends beyond their communities. They have been known to send volunteers to assist non-Amish families affected by natural disasters, demonstrating their commitment to helping others regardless of their background.

Photo by Randy Fath on Unsplash

Conclusion

Amish practices of frolics, barn-raisings, quilting parties, and crop harvesting reflect a profound dedication to mutual aid and solidarity. These traditions not only support individual members but also foster a strong sense of community and shared values.

The Amish approach to mutual aid provides valuable lessons in collective responsibility and solidarity. Their strong sense of community reminds us of the limitless possibilities when we organize together for mutual benefit.

We may ask, “Who will solve our problems?” Like the Amish, remember that solutions are in our hands. Many hands make light work, as some say.

Beyond Survival of the Fittest - Mutual Aid Index

1. Beyond Survival of the Fittest: Kropotkin's Vision of Mutual Aid

   1. What is the role of solidarity and reciprocity in building equitable and sustainable communities?

2. Mutual Aid Among Plants and Animals: Cooperating for Survival

   1. Peter Kropotkin Observes How Cooperation Among Species Improves Survival and Shapes Evolution.

3. Frolics and Barn-Raisings: Mutual Aid Amongst the Amish

   1. Take a Look at the Amish Traditions of Collective Action and Solidarity.

4. The Arab Spring: Mutual Aid in the Fight for Freedom

   1. See Solidarity in Action with the Collective Struggle for Liberation in the Arab Spring Movements.

5. The Black Panther Party’s Legacy of Community Empowerment Through Mutual Aid

   1. The BPP protected and served their communities despite rampant racism and being the main targets of the FBI’s Counter-Intelligence Program.

6. Blessing Boxes: Mutual Aid in Our Communities Today

   1. Find Out How These Simple Free Community Pantries Transform Neighborhoods and Promote Solidarity.

7. Childcare Collectives: A Modern Expression of Mutual Aid

   1. Childcare Collectives develop when groups of families, friends, and/or neighbors pool their resources to raise children.

8. Feeding Hope: The Impact of Community Fridges as Mutual Aid

   1. See How Grassroots Efforts Like Chattanooga’s Hope Community Fridge Transforms Food Access and Fights Food Apartheid.

9. Grow Food Together: The Impact of Community Gardening as Mutual Aid

   1. Shared Gardens Enhance Food Security, Build Community Bonds, and Promote Well-being Without Personal Expense.

10. Community Self-Defense: Protecting Ourselves and One Another

    1. Let’s Talk About How Communities Work Together to Protect Themselves From Harm Inflicted by the State and Fascists. 

11. Community Workspaces: Where Coworking Meets Opportunity

    1. Find Out How Shared Community Workspaces Support Creativity and Mutual Empowerment.

12. Deciding Together: The Consensus Model in Mutual Aid

    1. How Collective Decision-Making Builds Strong and Resilient Movements   As Shown by Occupy Wall Street. 

13. Live Together, Thrive Together: Shared Housing as Mutual Aid

    1. Imagine Housing as a Way to Build Community and Share Resources. 

14. Breaking Bread, Building Bonds: What’s Cooking in Community Kitchens?

    1. Learn How These Shared Kitchens Create Lasting Change Through Healthy Meals, Cooking Education, and Mutual Aid. 

15. Migration and Mutual Aid: Navigating a Climate Crisis Together

    1. The USA and Global North Grew Rich Burning Fossil Fuels. Radical Cooperation Can Help Us Adapt to a Changing World.

16. Forgive Us Our Debts: How Debt Collective Helps Abolish Financial Servitude

    1. Debt Collective Branched Off From Occupy Wall Street and Unifies Debtors in Mutual Aid for Collective Liberation. 

17. Thou Doth Protest? How The Diggers Reclaimed the Commons and Fought Early Capitalism

    1. Learn About the Radical Solidarity and Resistance to the Enclosure of the Common Lands in 17th-Century England.

18. A World Without Barriers: Consider Accessibility in Mutual Aid

    1. Everyone Becomes Disabled if They Are Lucky. So How Can We Make Our World More Accessible?

19. Mutual Aid in the Eye of the Storm: Disaster Relief Amid Climate Change

    1. When Disaster Strikes, Mutual Aid Responds: A Blueprint for Resilience Amid More Frequent Catastrophes

20. Beyond the Ballot Box: Build Dual Power for Real Change

    1. Empower People Through Mutual Aid, Solidarity, and Community Control.

21. Communities of Care: How Solidarity Transforms Support for Elders and the Differently-Abled

    1. How Can Mutual Aid Principles Change Elderly and Disabled Care From Isolation to Connection?

22. Growing Resistance: How Food Forests Feed Communities for Free and Defy Capitalism

    1. From Commodities to Commons: The Radical Potential of Agroforestry