As summer ends and the leaves start to change color, the Amish community gets busy with lots of activities to celebrate the end of the season and prepare for the colder months ahead. This may not include traditional Labor Day celebrations, but there are many community events involved.

Harvest Time: The end of summer is a busy time for Amish farmers because it’s time to collect all the crops they have been growing. They gather corn, tomatoes, squash, and other summer crops to eat fresh, can, or store for winter. It’s a time to celebrate all the blessings the earth has given them.

Community Gatherings: After the harvest season, the Amish community comes together for gatherings and celebrations. These can be weddings, barn raisings, quilting bees, or community meals. These events help strengthen the community and enjoy each other's company before winter comes.

Preparing for Winter: The end of summer also means it’s time to get ready for winter. The Amish chop and store firewood, mend or make winter clothes, and prepare their homes for the cold. The community helps each other with these preparations.

School Begins: For Amish kids, the end of summer means the start of the school year. Amish schools usually start after Labor Day and go until late April or early May.

Preserving Summer's Bounty:Canning and preserving food are important activities at the end of summer. Amish families spend a lot of time canning fruits and vegetables, making jams and jellies, and pickling cucumbers and other vegetables. These preserved foods will be eaten throughout the winter.

Reflecting on the Season: The end of summer is also a time to think about the past season. Amish families take time to be thankful for the blessings of the season and to prepare spiritually for the coming winter. As the summer sun sets and the cool winds of fall start to blow, the Amish community is thankful for the changing seasons and feels a sense of accomplishment. The end of summer is not just a time to celebrate the harvest but also a time to come together as a community and prepare for what’s next. Click to see what we are up to for Labor Day!