Bavaria Essay, Research Paper

Schmidt 1 Nicole Schmidt

Jarvinen

9 LA, period 5

16 December 2000

Bavaria

“They are of rugged stock, but not rough or ill mannered, fierce but not malicious, and they have a great store of strength and natural character”(Joseph G?rres). As articulated by Joseph G?rres the people of Germany are a kind and powerful race. A state whose people live this description daily are the Bavarian people of western Germany. For the Bavarian people a rich cultural heritage is an obligation as there is scarcely another people that cherishes and actively lives its culture like the Bavarians. This is reflected in everything from their devoted care of the arts to the traditional fostering of local customs. As a result the Bavarian culture is known for its traditions, fine foods, and inhabitants.

The three tribes, the Old Bavarians, the Franconians and the Swabians differ in language, customs, mentality and lifestyle. The first “tribe” is believed to have been put together in the 6th century and are now called “The Old Bavarians” (BSC Timeline). They are said to be known and loved far beyond the Bavarian frontier because of their unique qualities and work ethics. Their “attitudes” and “inborn feeling for music” make this group a friendly and fun people. Although, there lives are not always just fun and games. The Old Bavarians share

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“jobs” and crafts with the other tribes like the Franconians (Encarta Jobs). “The Franconians from the districts of Upper, Middle and Lower Franconia” have formed part of the Bavarian State since the early 19th century (BSC Bavarians). Their “strong community sense, organizational talent, cheerfulness and quickness of mind ” are the hallmarks of this race (BSC Bavarians). They are also hard working but not so much as the last tribe the Swabians. The saying “No Work No Reward” is the best way to describe this tribe (BSC). Some attributes of this race are there tendency to understate and their thrifty personalities. The Old Bavarians, the Franconians and the Swabians have many similarities and also many differences but they all posses the same great love for tradition.

The traditions passed down by the Bavarian people include everything from festivals to ancestral clothing. The people have frequent opportunities to celebrate throughout the year. One such occasion is Oktoberfest which first took place in Munich on the “17th of October 1810″ to celebrate the marriage of “Prince Ludwig” (Nelles 24). The two week festival is now held in “Wies’n” and is known for its “45 fairground rides and 70 stalls and games in total there are around 640 attractions” (191). Oktoberfest is not the states only festival the Christmas festivities are also very prominent. “Christkindlmarkt” is home of a Christmas fair which dates back to the “14th century” (58). It is no wonder that crowds are drawn in by its “Gluhwein, delicious-smelling spicy cakes, and imaginative Christmas presents” (58). The fair of Nativity cribs, and dancing. Although, music and dancing are a part of every German festival but Bavaria has set aside many different days just for those two arts. One such is the “Cooper’s Dance” which has been held ever seven

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year since 1517(BSC Festivals). The Cooper’s first did there dance when the Black plague spread through Munich. It was done as an offering to God to save the city and stop the killing of the people. With a promise to continue the dance every seven years the plague was ended and the promise kept (Nelles 15-16). During all of these Festivals traditional clothing is worn to show the peoples appreciation to their ancestors. Though the traditional clothing is a part of the Festivals it is also worn to “church, dances, school, and sometime on the street”(Wolff). The traditional clothing for the men and boys are called “Ladurhosen” and consist of black lace up shoes, knee-socks, leather knee length shorts, decorative suspenders, a white button up shirt, and a hat with a long feather extending out of it (Wolff). The women’s “Schuhplattler” is a pair of black buckle shoes, long socks, a ankle length dress, apron, and shall (Wolff). The women wear their hair held up tightly in either a burn, hat or braided head wrap. All of these expect have been influenced by the people and the States history. Everything from its kings to its churches have played apart. Like “Prince Ludwig’s marriage” or the “black plague” history is the base of all German traditions and foods (Nelles 15, 24).

Lastly, Germans are known for their unique foods and beverages. The Bavarians, like all Germans, know how to prepare everything from “Hirn in brauner Butter” (Brains in Brown Butter) to “Schokolademuscheln” or Chocolate Shells (Schuler 55, 149). One of the first foods thought of when talking about German

cuisine is sausage or wurst. There is not just one kind or one way to prepare wurst. The favorite of the Bavarian people is “wesswurst or white sausage” (BSC Foods).

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This dish contains “pork bacon, veal, lemon, onions, salt, parsley, white pepper and nutmeg” (BSC Foods). Another sausage dish eaten at breakfast is “Knapwurst” (Crocker 142). Knapwust is a traditional food in many German homes and is made with “beef, pork, water, onion, rolled oats, salt, cloves, nutmeg, and pepper” (142).

Bavarian’s along with other Germans eat very hardy snacks like radishes, Spaetzle, Kartofflpuffer, and Apfelfannkuchen (355). Bavarians also have traditional and non traditional dishes. Some of the more traditional being gebraten Hahnchen (Cornish hens), Gugelhupf, and Zwetschgenkuchen (355). The non-traditional foods are quick and easy to prepare and are eaten one the weekdays. They include Rinderrouladen, Himmel und Erde, and Stollen (355). In closing the Bavarian people eat a variety of national dishes.

The customs, cuisine, and people of the Bavaria have been influenced in many ways through the years. This is a result of the people fostering local traditions and living its unique culture actively. Bavaria is not only known for its traditions but also for its strong community sense, organizational talent, cheerfulness and quickness of mind. These traits belong to Bavarians thanks to their country Germany. The Germans like the Bavarians are seen as a kind and powerful race that have a strong sense for the saying “no work no reward” (anon). “Their cosmopolitan attitudes, sense of tradition and an inborn feeling for music make the race known and loved far beyond the [German] frontiers” (anon).

Bibliography

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