Bundling (bed courtship) — a tradition that makes Amish blush. But it exists.
How It Works
Young man visits the girl's home in the evening (after her family goes to sleep). They lie in her bed. Clothed. Sometimes with a wooden board or blanket divider between them. They talk. All night. By dawn — he leaves.
Why
To truly know each other. Not over dinner with parents (everyone's polite). Not on a walk (cold, too little time). But alone, in the dark, 6-8 hours. What to talk about for 8 hours? Everything. Children, faith, fears, money, future. By morning — you know the person better than after a year of dating.
Sex?
Officially — no. Board, clothes, rules. Unofficially — it happens. Premarital pregnancy among Amish: 5-12% (varies by community). Not zero. But not catastrophe — wedding accelerates, community doesn't discuss.
Today
Strict communities banned bundling (too risky). Progressive ones kept it (tradition). Most are in gray zone: officially disapprove but don't check.