One thing I noticed at Oktoberfests and the German Festivals are these two part Lederhosen Socks men wear… and I had to know… WHY? What is the story behind those calf-warmers? Why don’t men in Bavaria want to cover their ankles? As anyone who has suffered through knitting classes, you KNOW that when you are knitting socks, the hard part…
Category: Festivals
Traditional German Clothing for Children- Dirndls and Lederhosen
Summer is the beginning of the German Festival Season! While dressing ” German ” is not mandatory, it can be a lot of fun. And is there ANYTHING so cute as a sweet little girl in a Dirndl? Or a toddler in his Lederhosen? But where can you find traditional German clothes for children or babies and toddlers? And do…
Schützenfest- A Marksmanship Competition and Weekend Celebration!
A few years, while visiting family in Germany, everyone was getting ready for the weekend’s Schützenfest. What is Schützenfest? I asked…. ahhhh… It’s a big fest with shooting competitions, drinking, a coronation, and a massive party that lasts the whole weekend. WHAT?? That’s right, a festival involving shooting and alcohol. (What could go wrong?) Nothing! (Remember, this is Germany!) Schutzenfester,…
German Easter Fountains- a Colorful German Easter Tradition
One way towns in Germany prepare for Easter is by decorating fountains. These German Easter Fountains are covered with flowers and colored eggs, making them a festive centerpiece in the city center square. Some places get wildly creative with arches and bundles of plastic hanging eggs. Other towns are more conservative, with mostly container plants strung with a few…
What is the Easter Fire in Germany? A Symbol of Light in Darkness
What is the Easter Fire in Germany, and why is it lit? The Easter Fire, or Osterfeuer, symbolizes light in the darkness. It can be as simple as lighting a candle or as big as the bonfires ignited all over Germany at Easter. Because fire symbolizes the light of renewal, it signifies the end of Winter and the coming of…
What is Maifest? What is a Maibaum? Germany Celebrates May Day!
Maifest celebrates the end of the long, dark winter and the beginning of warm weather and light. It’s a time of reawakening and joy! Celebrating the end of winter dates back to the Pagan times, and while the celebrations have changed a bit, there is still dancing. Cities and small villages across Germany, but primarily in Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria, set…
Oktoberfest in Germany! A Wedding Celebration, and lots of Beer
Munich, Germany is the home of the ORIGINAL Oktoberfest. The fabulous Festival seeming takes over the city in late September , and just around that time we get these images of a Lederhosen wearing, Beer guzzling, Pretzel eating Man, with his Lusty dirndl wearing Fraulein. This image is only partially true, and doesn’t tell the whole story. Oktoberfest is so…