Bundling is a traditional practice of wrapping a couple together in a bed, sometimes with a board between them, usually as a part of courting behavior). It is associated with the Amish as a form of courtship and is believed to have originated either in the Netherlands or in the British Isles and later became common in colonial United States, especially in Pennsylvania Dutch Country). The practice is thought to have been inspired by the biblical story of Ruth and Boaz, in which Ruth, a widow, and Boaz, a wealthy landowner, spend a night together in a grain storage room). By the 20th century, bundling seems to have disappeared almost everywhere, except for the more conservative Old Order Amish affiliations, where it was still in use as of 2006, regardless of location).

Bundling is not considered sexual in nature, but rather a way to get to know someone better before marriage. It also allows couples to sleep together without being married, which is important in a community where marriages are often arranged. There are a few Amish rules that govern bundling among the Amish to ensure that the practice remains non-sexual in nature. First, bundling only occurs between betrothed couples, meaning it’s a very rare occurrence. Second, the couple must be fully clothed when they bundle. Women must wear a long dress, and men must wear long pants.

In modern times, bundling is not widespread among the Amish, and the tradition ever really went much beyond isolated pockets of Amish in Pennsylvania. The Amish culture values a slow, steady clean courtship, and bundling is generally very private behavior. The Amish culture is not prudish, and there is a lot of kissing and hand-holding, typical young couple stuff.