Ordnung (order) is the set of rules every Amish community lives by. Not written. Passed orally.
What It Regulates
Everything. Literally. Dress length. Hat brim width. Number of pleats on a bonnet. Buggy color. Whether rubber tires on buggy are allowed. Whether pneumatic tools are permitted. Which fabrics are acceptable. Whether a phone in the barn (not house) is okay.
Who Decides
Bishop and two ministers. Decisions discussed at biannual meeting (Ordnungsgemee). Whole community votes. Unanimous or overwhelming majority. If you disagree — you can move to another community.
Differences Between Communities
Old Order: no electricity, phones, tractors. New Order: electricity for dairy farm okay, phone in barn okay. Swartzentruber: strictest — no reflectors on buggy, no indoor plumbing.
Why Unwritten
Written law = lawyers = disputes = courts. Oral law = everyone knows, everyone follows, changes happen slowly with consent. 330 years and working.