Traditional Clothing (Tracht)

• Men wear Lederhosen (leather shorts with suspenders) and a checkered or white shirt, often paired with knee-high socks and a hat with a feather.

• Women wear Dirndl, a traditional Bavarian dress with a blouse, bodice, full skirt, and apron. The way the apron is tied can indicate a woman’s relationship status.

Beer Tents and Bavarian Beer

• Oktoberfest features large beer tents set up by famous Munich breweries.

• The beer served is specially brewed Märzen-style beer, slightly stronger than regular lagers.

• Beer is served in Maßkrüge (1-liter beer mugs).

• A ceremonial tapping of the first keg by the Mayor of Munich marks the official start.

Bavarian Food

• Traditional foods include:

• Pretzels (Brezn) – Large and salty.

• Weißwurst – White sausages eaten with sweet mustard.

• Hendl – Roasted chicken.

• Schweinshaxe – Pork knuckle.

Music and Dancing

• Traditional Bavarian brass bands play folk music, including songs like “Ein Prosit.”

• People dance on the benches and sing along to both traditional German songs and modern party hits.

Funfair and Attractions

• In addition to beer tents, Oktoberfest includes fairground rides, games, and parades.

• The Trachten- und Schützenzug is a grand parade featuring traditional clothing, marching bands, and horse-drawn beer wagons.

Cultural Significance

• Oktoberfest began in 1810 as a wedding celebration for Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese of Bavaria.

• Today, it is a symbol of Bavarian culture and attracts millions of visitors from around the world..

https://youtu.be/16iCzQ7Ryok?si=2hnagzWw5JVOHNMR

The New Year’s Eve dinner is the most important meal for Chinese families. Normally, this is the family reunion dinner, especially for those with family members away from home. The majority of Chinese families will gather at a family member’s home instead of a restaurant to eat the New Year’s Eve dinner.

Fireworks

Fireworks are used to drive away evil in China. Right after 12:00AM on New Year’s Eve, fireworks will be launched to celebrate the coming of the New Year as well as to drive away evil. It is believed that the person who launches the first firework of the New Year will have good luck.

Shou Sui

Shou Sui means “after the New Year’s Eve dinner.” Traditionally, family members would stay awake all night, but now some people just stay awake until after the fireworks. According to Chinese tales and legends, there was a mythical beast named the Nian (Year). On New Year’s Eve night, the Year would come out to harm people, animals, and proprieties. Later, people found that the Year was afraid of the color red, fire, and loud sounds. Therefore, on the New Year’s Eve night, people will launch fireworks, light fires, and stay awake all night to fend off the Year.

Red Envelopes

The red packet is a red envelope with money in it. The amount of money can range  from one to a few thousand Chinese Yuan. Usually red envelopes are given to children by adults, married couples, and the elderly during the New Year Festival. It is believed that the money and red envelopes will keep evil from the children, keep them healthy, and give them a long life.

*More information about red envelopes and a craft activity.

New Year Markets

During the New Year’s Festival, temporary markets are setup. The main purpose of the markets is to sell New Year goods, such as clothing, lanterns, fireworks, decorations, food, and small arts. The markets are usually decorated with New Year’s objects.

Small Year

Small year is the last day of the year. It is believed this is the day the Kitchen God will leave the family, go to heaven, and report the family’s activities to the Emperor of Heaven. People have religious ceremonies to say farewell to the Kitchen God. Part of the ceremony includes taking down and burning the image of the Kitchen God. After New Year’s Day, people will buy a new image of the Kitchen God and display it in their kitchen.

Cleaning

A few days before Chinese New Year, people will do a complete cleaning of the house and house wares. This signifies the removal of the old and welcoming the new. Historically, when people did not bath often, this is when people would take a bath to welcome the New Year.

Decoration

After cleaning the entire house, people will decorate their house. This is to welcome the New Year. Most New Year decorations are red in color, because the Chinese believe red brings good luck, prosperity, and wards off evil. The most popular New Year decorations are upside down fu, dui lian, lanterns, year paint, papercutting, door gods, etc.