Oktoberfest began in 1810 as the countrywide commemoration of the wedding of Bavarian Crown Prince Ludwig I and Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen.The marriage took place on October 12, though they held a big horse race was on the 17th and the party didn't officially start until the 18th, so the real date is lost to history, also changing from the Gregorian Calender to the Julian screwed up the date (not to mention September/October overlapping when this happened). You can also bet it's no coincidence that it all happens around harvest time.
Whatever the real date is, one thing's for sure. They had such a good time, they decided to repeat the party every year. How many wedding receptions have you been to that you want to recreate?
Pre-empted the next year by the Napoleonic wars and interrupted a few more times by epidemics and by the German's wont to take over the world every once in a while...we've been doing it for almost 200 years now.
A genial weeks long celebration. Good feelings and smiles.
Also beer...
...and Bratwursts...
...and Beer...
...and Pretzels...
...and Beer...
...And what other time are you authorized to grab a Fraulein or two and do the "Chicken Dance" into the wee hours?
Ah the Germans. Makers of the "Beer Purity Law", buxom women with pigtails and parties that last for weeks. Y'gotta give 'em a pass on all that world conquering when you see the big picture.
If I live to be 100, I think I could have lived without a picture of you in lederhosen in my head.
ReplyDeleteThat drawing of yourself, might be the best one ever!