Postcards from Germany: Bavaria and the buildup to Oktoberfest
By Ashley Moore
for Guymon Daily Herald
September 20-21, 2008
When I say "Germany" – quick! – what are the first few words that pop into your head? I'd wager that Hitler, beer, blondes and bratwurst are up there. It's pretty much considered common knowledge in Germany that many foreigners' perceptions of the entire country are based on traditional Bavarian culture, to which – with the exception of Hitler – all of the above belong.
Bavaria is Germany's southernmost province and the wealthy home of Munich, Nuremberg and the German Alps. In some ways it even has a striking resemblance to the American South. Bavarians have distinct accents and tend to be more conservative than people from the north. Religion has a strong influence in Bavaria so that even a certain percentage of taxes paid to the state are allocated to churches. Also like the South, Bavaria has a distinct culture that is recognized, sometimes misunderstood and even more often ridiculed in the rest of Germany. It's true that you'll find bratwurst stands all over Bavarian cities, and as I've mentioned in a previous column, even the smallest towns have their own breweries. You'll hear traditional "oompah" music occasionally, especially during the multiple folk festivals held throughout the year. During the festivals, you'll even see entertainers, service staff and the rare festivalgoer wearing traditional Bavarian clothing – Lederhosen (leather pants) for men and Dirndl (think beer wench) for women. At mother festival Oktoberfest, however, no one is shy about breaking out the Dirndl and the braids.
Though you wouldn't know it by the name, Oktoberfest actually starts in September, so the buildup to the first day has already begun. Shops selling Lederhosen and Dirndl are packed with shoppers and eBay is busy with bidders all willing to fork over $150 to more than $1000 for traditional clothing to wear to Munich for the festivities. I have to admit that I've been among those trekking to obscure shops and scouring the racks for the perfect Dirndl. It's not a task to be taken lightly, and somehow my search has managed to consume rather large chunks of the past month. My quest has not been in vain, however, as Friday's excursion finally resulted in success. As you may have already guessed, the next column will be reported directly from Oktoberfest, so if there's anything you're dying to know about the world's most outrageous beer drinking extravaganza, now's the time to ask! Questions, comments or suggestions: guymongirl1@gmail.com.
Photo:
Eva, a friend and fellow student, humors me and models her new Dirndl for the good folks of Guymon. She'll be celebrating her birthday at this year's Oktoberfest.
