A comparison of Traditional Bavarian-German and Contemporary
American culture
4
What is Oktoberfest?
• Bavarian Culture Celebration
• Strong Emphasis on Beer
• Agrarian-centric, Late September Through Mid October
• World’s Largest Public Fair
Oktoberfest Culture
Culture: “the civilization, customs, artistic achievements, etc., of a people, esp. at a certain stage of its development or history “
-Oxford English Dictionary 2d edition-
Music: “German Folk Beer Song” and Tersivel “Cruvat Beer House Song”
•
•
•
•
Traditional Bavarian Origin
Local Beer and Agricultural Fall Celebrations were common
October 12, 1810 marriage of King Ludwig I and Theresa
October 17th horserace, inspired by Ancient Greek Festivities and Olympics
Invited Munich Residents and continuously added more entertainment such as bowling alleys , merry-go-rounds, parades, dances, vendors, and booths
1,4
•
•
By 1819 the races were replaced by a carnival-like atmosphere and beer carts
The leader of Munich decided that Oktoberfest would be held every year and extended the 1-day commemoration to 16 days of revelry and heavy drinking.
•
In 1880 Beer Service was standardized and served as the official drink
•
By 1960 Oktoberfest became globally recognized as The World’s Largest Festival
1,4
Oktoboberfest
Helen, Ga 2011
Cancelled Years
•
•
•
•
•
24 total cancellations (so far) due to:
1813 Napoleon War
1854 Cholera Outbreak
1870 Franco-Prussian War
1914-1918 World War I
1923 Hyperinflation (Global Depression)
*source: German Good Guide
Festive Ceremonial Customs
• The Opening: O`zapft is! (“It is tapped!“).
*Tapping the keg
Traditional Bavarian Foods
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Marzen Beer (literally “Brewed in March)
Wiener Schnitzel
Schweinebraten
Brezn
Knodel
Weisswurst
Saurkraut
Apfelstrudel
*german food guide*
• Table Reservations and “Prost!” manners: over 30 different beer tents requiring a table reservation in advance. All beer served at the festival must be brewed inside Munich city limits.
• Entertainment: roller coasters, parades, ferris wheels, and music for people of all ages to enjoy.
• Parades: many different parades such as the "Costume and Riflemen's
Parade“ of Bavarian culture
*lonelyplanet
Dirndl
•
•
•
•
•
traditional 19th Century Peasant dress
Side of the Knot is symbolic
Today the dirndl is worn solelyfor traditional events.
In the earlier days, it was often in softer colors as unlike the brightly colored outfits worn today. The designs worn today are modified to suit modern trends.
9
7
8
5
Lederhosen
• translates into “leather pants”
• worn by the Germanic men of the Alpine areas and nearby locales
•They always had features such as the suspenders and the front flaps.
• preferred by riders and hunters
10
6
Gamsbart
•The Gamsbart is a part of traditional
German clothing.
•It is a tuft of hair that is used as a form of a decorative element.
•It is worn on the
