Oktoberfest Oktrivia

1. Which city is the birthplace of Oktoberfest?
A. Munich
B. Berlin
C. Dublin
D. Cincinnati

A. Munich
QQ: Oktoberfest is an institution whose origins are unique to Munich. It is not celebrated elsewhere in Germany or even Bavaria.

2. The first Oktoberfest evolved from what event?
A. A funeral
B. A peace treaty
C. A wedding
D. A christening

C. A wedding
QQ: Oktoberfest began in 1810 as the wedding reception of Bavaria's Crown Prince Ludwig of Bavaria (later to be King Ludwig I) to Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen and has evolved into an annual celebration of lager and lederhosen observed worldwide.

3. What has always been the site for the traditional Oktoberfest celebration?
A. Therese's Meadow
B. Munich Beer Garden
C. Beer Street in Munich
D. Munich's Beer Boulevard

A. Therese's Meadow
QQ: The wedding took place at what came to be called the Theresienwiese (Therese's Meadow), and this remains the site for the Oktoberfest.

4. To date, Munich has had to cancel 24 Oktoberfests. What is NOT a reason for cancellation?
A. World War I
B. Cholera epidemic
C. Black plague
D. World War II

C. Black plague
QQ: To date, 169 have been held on the grounds (24 have had to be canceled because of the impact of wars and of the cholera epidemics in the mid- nineteenth century).

5. Munich celebrates its Spring Strong Beer festival every March as a prelude to the so-called beer garden season, a series of outdoor events culminating with the city's renowned Oktoberfest. What reason was the original "Strong Beer" brewed?
A. As a preparation for Lent
B. As a celebration of Spring
C. To pay taxes
D. To avoid taxes

A. As a preparation for Lent
QQ: In spring, the monks brewed a stronger-than-usual beer for consumption before Lent, to ward off possible emaciation during the period of fasting. The strong beer festival grew out of these origins.

6. Why is October a significant month in the beer brewing year?
A. Because Saint Octavius is also the patron saint of beer
B. It marks the beginning of the winter brewing season
C. It is the last good date to have a great outdoor party
D. It marks the end of the summer brewing season

B. It marks the beginning of the winter brewing season
QQ: Long before modern chemistry and refrigeration made brewing a year-round industry, the last safe brewing month was March. Though early brewers hadn't identified the microscopic culprits, they knew that summer's warm weather encouraged spoiled beer. So the last batch was stored, or lagered, in the caves around Munich. They worked on that through the summer and when October's cool weather allowed brewing again, "they had a big blowout" to finish off whatever March beer was left. The blowout became an agricultural fair, which eventually coincided with the commemoration of Ludwig I's marriage to Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen and today’s Oktoberfest.

7. Although perhaps best-known for giving us Oktoberfest, Ludwig I also left this legacy?
A. Made Munich Germany’s richest museum center
B. Legalization of beer gardens
C. Built many of Munich’s grandest sights
D. All of the above

D. All of the above
QQ: Ludwig I is by far the most significant of Bavaria's monarchs. He aspired to elevate the city into a great artistic, scientific, and cultural center and is the city's great builder. Many of Munich's grandest sights can be attributed to his rule, notably his palace the Residenz (residence), the galleries at the Nymphenburg summer palace, the art galleries of the Glyptothek and Pinakothek, and many more. It is his legacy that today gives Munich the reputation of being Germany's richest museum center. But it is his other legacies, the legalization of the beer gardens and the celebration of Oktoberfest, that perhaps most well-known. If his palaces and castles are the most extravagant expression of Bavarian heritage, beer is its most commonplace symbol. In Bavaria, beer rules.

8. In addition to a royal wedding, what event took place at the first Oktoberfest?
A. A horse race
B. A Polka dance off
C. Beer barrel races
D. The first funnels

A. A horse race
QQ: The first Oktoberfest consisted of a royal wedding and a horse race, not beer tents. Horse races in the presence of the Royal Family marked the close of the event that was celebrated as a festival for the whole of Bavaria. The decision to repeat the horse races in the subsequent year gave rise to the tradition of the Oktoberfest.

9. How is the Munich Oktoberfest known to locals?
A. the “Wiesn”
B. Always simply “Oktoberfest”
C. the Fall Beer Festival
D. Lederhosen Time

A. the “Wiesn”
QQ: The Munich Oktoberfest - known by the locals as the "Wiesn" – because at what came to be called the Theresienwiese (Therese's Meadow), and this remains the site for the Oktoberfest. The fields where the wedding took place have been named Theresienwiese ("Theresa's fields") in honor of the Crown Princess ever since, although the locals have since abbreviated the name simply to the "Wies'n".

10. When did the first beer tents and halls appear at Oktoberfest?
A. Never, Oktoberfest isn’t really about beer at all
B. The first year of course!
C. 1896 with the backing of the breweries
D. Not until after prohibition was repealed

C. 1896 with the backing of the breweries
QQ: In 1896 the beer stands were replaced by the first beer tents and halls set up by enterprising landlords with the backing of the breweries.

11. What is true of Oktoberfest?
A. Originated in Munich, it is now celebrated throughout Bavaria and Germany
B. Originated in Munich, it is not celebrated elsewhere in Bavaria and Germany
C. It is a celebration of All Saints Eve or Halloween
D. The consumption of beer is forbidden at Oktoberfest

B. Originated in Munich, it is not celebrated elsewhere in Bavaria and Germany
QQ: Even though Oktoberfest embodies the outsider's view of German popular culture. Oktoberfest is an institution whose origins are unique to Munich. It is not celebrated elsewhere in Germany or even Bavaria.

12. Munich has a full calendar of annual celebrations and dulten, which means fairs, which include the renowned Oktoberfest. What was the original meaning of the word “Dult”?
A. Drink up
B. Cheers
C. Church festival
D. Wedding feast

C. Church festival
QQ: Munich celebrates its Fruhjahrs Starkbier (Spring Strong Beer) festival every March. This is the first event in Munich's annual calendar of celebrations and Dulten (fairs). It also serves as a prelude to the so-called beer garden season, a series of outdoor events culminating with the city's renowned Oktoberfest. The original meaning of the word Dult was "church festival."

13. Many Americans speak some German every day without realizing it as so many German words have worked their way into our language. One common expression, used to follow a sneeze, is “Gesundheit.” What does it mean?
A. To your health
B. God bless you
C. Use a tissue
D. Beware the devil

A. To your health
QQ: Bet a lot of people went for “B”!

14. Some German words have become so commonly used in English that they are now considered part of the American language. Which of these is NOT an American word adopted from German?
A. Poltergeist
B. Noodle
C. Sauerkraut
D. Kindergarten
E. They are all German words
F. None of these are German words

E. They are all German words
QQ: You are a dummkopf if you guessed sauerkraut or kindergarten although poltergeist and noodle were a bit trickier!

15. Many Americans speak a little German every day without realizing it as so many German words have worked their way into our language. Some words are identical in German and American and other words have slightly changed. Which words are identical?
A. Mother
B. Uncle
C. Winter
D. Wind
E. A and B
F. C and D

F. C and D
QQ: Both winter and wind are identical in both German and English while these two have changed slightly from mutter to mother and onkel to uncle.

Deanna Mascle publishes two Fun Trivia ezines and several blogs featuring Useless Trivia.

German lederhosen with a built-in cell phone at CeBIT

For thigh-slapping beer drinking Bavarian dancers, a pair of lederhosen with a sewn-in cell phone. Showecased at CeBIT and reported by IOL.

"The lederhosen from century-old German all-weather clothier Lodenfrey feature a mouthpiece embedded in the suspender straps and a row of unobtrusive olive green buttons down the side of the leg."

Oktoberfest

Prost!

Blatt that tuba, blare that trumpet

Swing that tune, beat it! jump it!

A German band can get your heart bumping,

Your fingers tapping, your two feet stomping.

I know that song! My grandfather sang it!

In the German chorus where he rang it.

Play another one! Don't let them rest!

I'll meet you at the Octoberfest!

At every carnival and festival all over the world, music touches that primeval place in our brains that lifts our spirits and binds us together. The original Octoberfest was just a fancy wedding celebration for the King of Bavaria in 1810. Although the wedding date was set for October 17th, the party starts in mid September and lasts through the beginning of October. A grand opening parade with decorated beer wagons pulled by pampered Clydesdale horses marches through Munich and lasts for hours.

For sheer size, the Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany dwarfs every other emulator. Twelve tents house over ten thousand merry makers each. Like giant redwood tree trunks, three massive poles soar to dizzying heights, sheltering three twenty piece Gerrman bands. One tent features a giant ox roasting on a huge turning spit, keeping the chefs busy basting the ox with spices. Choice seats simulating local beer stubes line the sides. Tables are reserved for months in advance by Munich corporations for their employees. I was fortunate one year to know someone who had a spot for me and my wife at the Hackerbrau table. We had a grand time 'schuttling' back and forth to songs my grandfather sang.

If you have heard that Oktoberfest beer is stronger, you have not been lied to. The special beer is timed to perfection for the festival, resulting in a slightly darker color, rich in hops flavor, and topped by a fine-grained head of foam. A one liter mug (mass) will put you into a good mood for hours. As one strolls down the wide avenues, enticing aromas assault the senses. Spit-roasted half chickens, broiled smelts-on-a-stick (steckerl fish), and roasted honey almond treats are all irresistible.

The main concourse is lined with quaint rides and interesting side shows. A house-sized barrel caught my eye that turned out to sell only fancy German chocolate candies in every variation imaginable. Strings of four to eight strollers singing German songs dance down the alley, sometimes apologizing for sweeping visitors along with them, other times not. Police 'Kontrollers' keep a sharp eye out for rowdy behavior, allowing some partying, but ejecting anyone who disturbs the peace. The original Octoberfest epitomizes the word 'Gemutlichkeit' and visitors the world over take away with them that warm, friendly feeling to spread around at home.

About the Author: A retired portrait and wedding photographer, I enjoy writing , how to articles, helpful articles on photography and many other subjects. My hobbies include quartet singing, shop, bicycling and photography. Please visit my web site at http://www.photoartbyken.com/

Visit Munich for its remarkable culture, stunning sights and a stein of local beer

Located just north of the Bavarian Alps on the River Isar, Munich is truly a stunning sight - both naturally and architecturally. In fact, it seems that no matter where you turn in the city, there's something truly remarkable to see.

At the centre of Munich, for instance, is Marienplatz - a large, open square which houses the New Town Hall. But perhaps even more spectacular than the square itself is the Rathaus-Glockenspiel - a famous, ornate clock with life-sized moving figures. At 11:00am every day, the clock chimes and re-enacts two sixteenth century stories to the crowds below: the first is a scene from a medieval jousting tournament, while the second is a performance of the famous "Schäfflertanz" - roughly translated as the "Barrel-makers' dance".

But while the streets of Munich are laden with beautiful sights, a visit to the city's host of impressive museums and art galleries is certainly worthwhile. The Deutsches Museum, for instance, which is located on an island in the Isar, is one of the oldest and largest science museums in the world. Other popular museums and galleries in the city include: the Alte Pinakothek gallery, the Munich City Museum, the Bavarian National Museum and the BMW Museum. And if you enjoy the performing arts, you'll also take delight in the operas, ballets, musicals and orchestras of spectacular city venues such as the Nationaltheater, Gärtnerplatz Theatre, Deutsche Theater and Residenz Theatre - the last of which is home to the world-renowned Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra.

If you're ever looking to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city, you'll find that Munich's many parks provide a perfect retreat. The Englischer Garten, for example, is one of the world's largest urban public parks and contains jogging tracks and bridle-paths for locals and visitors to enjoy. Other green spaces include: Olympic Park, Hofgartenand, Hirschgarten, Ostpark and the parks of the stunning Nymphenburg and Schleissheim palaces. And if you're traveling to Munich with children, the city's zoological park, Tierpark Hellabrunn, is guaranteed to offer a fun and memorable experience for all.

But if there's one thing that Munich is particularly famous for, it's the local beer breweries; it's therefore fitting that the largest beer festival in the world - Oktoberfest - takes place annually within the city. In fact, the festival attracts so many tourists that about 30 per cent of the year's beer production by Munich's breweries is consumed in just two weeks at Oktoberfest! This year's Oktoberfest festival will take place from 22 September - 7 October, and will feature beer gardens hosting some of Munich's most famous breweries; among the most popular are Hofbräu, Löwenbräu and Augustiner. The festival is also an ideal time to sample Munich's culinary specialties: try Munich's famous Weißwürste ('white sausages'), traditionally served with sweet mustard and a freshly baked pretzel - it's bound to go well with a stein of Bavarian beer! Or why not sample the popular Bavarian apple strudel with vanilla sauce? However, rest assured that no matter what time of year you visit Munich, you'll be able to take advantage of such delectable delights.

If you're planning a trip to Munich, you'll find plenty of Munich hotels located near the city's top attractions. And if you're considering attending this year's Oktoberfest, it's always best to book your Munich hotel early. But even if you decide to travel to Munich outside of its festival season, remember to sit down with a stein - or perhaps a few - of the local beer.

About the Author

Andrew Regan is an online, freelance journalist.

Oktoberfest: A Marriage Celebration for Nearly Two-Hundred Years

Oktoberfest has become known as the largest fair in the world as every year it brings together nearly 6 million people in Munich Bavaria Germany. Intended to celebrate a historic marriage the celebration lasts 16-17 days depending on how the calendar year falls. Alcohol, beer mainly, plays a significant role in the festival, made heartily darker and of higher alcohol content when prepared for the festivities. Similarly, foods of the Bavarian culture such as sausage, chicken, cheese noodles and sauerkraut are served throughout the fairgrounds.

The unification of Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese from Saxe-Hildburghausen in holy matrimony on October 12th, 1810 sparked the tradition of the widely known Oktoberfest of today. Becoming annual event, it has rarely been cancelled; 24 times of cancellation exist today in its past of nearly 200 years. Main issues of cause for cancellation are related to war and disease.

In 1835, a parade was inducted into the common procedures prior to the festivities. Gatherings nearing 8000 people join in center of Munich on Maximilian Street for the annual Bavarian rich addition to the celebratory events of Oktoberfest.

About the Author:

Mrs. Party... Gail Leino takes a common sense approach to planning and organizing events, celebrations and holiday parties with unique ideas for birthday party supplies and fun free educational party games.