Mennonite Manners (Part 1)
Among most German-speaking, or "Russian" Mennonites, the meaning of etiquette is largely unknown, especially among the older ones.
The Old Colony folks from northern Belize would appear very disrespectful to someone who is not used to their culture. For example loud belching, burping in someone's face, farting in front of people and while eating at the table, picking your nose with your fingers during mealtime and fixedly staring at people with their mouth open, etc. Other than that they are warm and hospitable to guests and visitors.
Girls are very shy; the mothers strictly teach their daughters about the proper way to sit and play while wearing a skirt.
Not so much among the Kleine Gemeinde; girls are admonished to watch their skirts but since their dresses are made very wide and loose fitting, it can be somewhat challenging for pre-teen girls, specially during playtime and for those tomboys. Now as far as "minding your manners", there are the liberal Mennonites who are training their children differently in the rules of etiquette. But there's still the older generation and those extra conservative who don't pay much attention to such rules. As a salesperson, I've experienced a KG customer picking his nose while speaking to me, farting loudly in my face and cleaning his nails with his teeth. It made me shudder but as an employee I respected him and hid my disgust. To be fair, they will always greet you respectfully, invite you to share, and willingly offer information. (If you don't mind the open-mouthed, wide-eyed stare from other KG persons who are standing by).
Notice I didn't mention the other 3 groups of conservative Mennonites? I will yet.....
The Old Colony folks from northern Belize would appear very disrespectful to someone who is not used to their culture. For example loud belching, burping in someone's face, farting in front of people and while eating at the table, picking your nose with your fingers during mealtime and fixedly staring at people with their mouth open, etc. Other than that they are warm and hospitable to guests and visitors.
Girls are very shy; the mothers strictly teach their daughters about the proper way to sit and play while wearing a skirt.
Not so much among the Kleine Gemeinde; girls are admonished to watch their skirts but since their dresses are made very wide and loose fitting, it can be somewhat challenging for pre-teen girls, specially during playtime and for those tomboys. Now as far as "minding your manners", there are the liberal Mennonites who are training their children differently in the rules of etiquette. But there's still the older generation and those extra conservative who don't pay much attention to such rules. As a salesperson, I've experienced a KG customer picking his nose while speaking to me, farting loudly in my face and cleaning his nails with his teeth. It made me shudder but as an employee I respected him and hid my disgust. To be fair, they will always greet you respectfully, invite you to share, and willingly offer information. (If you don't mind the open-mouthed, wide-eyed stare from other KG persons who are standing by).
Notice I didn't mention the other 3 groups of conservative Mennonites? I will yet.....
