On 9 August 2001, the United States Postal Service released four stamps depicting Amish Quilts. The Amish, a conservative religious sect who lead a plain life based on Biblical teachings, have been in the Lykens Valley for more than 40 years. However, the roots of the Amish go back in Pennsylvania to the early 1700s when they fled Europe to avoid religious persecution. Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, has one of the largest Amish settlements in the United States.
The stamps on the above First Day Cover shown above are: Diamond in the Square, and Sunshine and Shadow.
The stamps on the First Day Cover below are: Lone Star and Double Ninepatch.
Quilting was an important part of Amish community life beginning about 1870 and the practice was very extensive until the mid-20th century, Today, the art of quilting is still practiced in the Amish communities. Quilts are done entirely by hand and mostly takes place during the winter months.
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