Fancy Dutch

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The term Fancy Dutch or Gay Dutch refers to the Pennsylvania Germans who belonged to the Reformed and Lutheran churches. They, unlike the Amish, Dunkards and the Mennonites who were considered sectarians did not wear plain clothing, nor did they refuse to fight in wars or do many of the things commonly associated with the "Pennsylvania Dutch" in mainstream culture. The Fancy Dutch far outnumbered the sectarians among the Pennsylvania Dutch. Today however, most Pennsylvania German speakers are members of the plainer sects, the Fancy Dutch having been mostly assimilated. While the Plain Dutch regions centered around Lancaster and Mifflin Counties, the Fancy Dutch lived in the countryside around Reading, Allentown, York and Lebanon.

[edit] See also

• Plain people