Today Oktoberfest is a raucous, if convivial, affair of which few know the origins, but it was born of the love of a righteous king for his wife, writes Karl Gustel Warnberg
We’ve all seen it across the globe. Kitsch lederhosen and dirndl – as the classic Bavarian outfits are called – worn by people who may never have set foot in the southern German lands. The traditional outfits have been lifted out of their contexts and become popularised beyond recognition. What began as a celebration of one particular couple in a specific region has become a global phenomenon. Oktoberfest is upon us, and so is the cascade of beer which accompanies it.
On October 12, 1810, the crown prince of Bavaria, later Louis I, married Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen. That is the origin of what has today come to be known as the fortnight-long celebration Oktoberfest. The festival, a commemoration of this royal marriage, has continued every year, while the knowledge of its original purpose has faded with the passing of time.
Now it is a celebration of indulgence and decadence. Where the loving union of a young couple once held centre stage, the focus is now on sexualised dirndls (the traditional Bavarian costume) and the ironic wearing of lederhosen accompanied by gallons of beer. Yet, knowing a bit about King Louis we might just presume he will have the last laugh.
Louis I was a liberal in his youth and as he ascended the throne many assumed he would bring about liberal reform to his kingdom. The subjects were in for a surprise. He opposed the secularisation of the monasteries in his lands and outmanoeuvred the leading minister, Maximilian Montgelas, who was blamed for anti-ecclesiastical policies, further restoring several monasteries that had been closed.
Louis was heralded as the future, but turned his attention to the past in order to strengthen his country. A large part of this effort included becoming a patron of the arts and city planning. A policy for the future must include what unites and inspires people, he realised, not what degrades them.
Turning back to today’s Oktoberfest, there is much to admire. Several important values lie at the core of the festivities: cordiality, or Gemütlichkeit as the Germans call it, and camaraderie. The festive spirit lifts us out of the ordinary and instils in us a sense of shared joy.
That is the nature of a celebration, just like the original marriage between the crown prince and princess was encapsulated by days of conviviality, reminding those present that this was an elevation of passionate love to consummate marital fidelity. Alcohol serves as an accompanying potion, strengthening the shared experience if used in moderation. Yet, if used to extremes, it threatens to cut the camaraderie it can otherwise elevate.
Culture depends on the values that underpin it. A seemingly simple people’s festival such as Oktoberfest can perpetuate a Hollywood culture of fake, or it can spread the age-old virtues which it stems from. Gramsci called this “cultural hegemony,” implying that a ruling class impose culture and values on the majority of people.
Louis I wished to instil a love of beauty, home, and faith amongst his subjects, and Oktoberfest was born as a celebration of his love for his wife. We might ask ourselves what our rulers want us to admire as we stare down our 13th pint of Paulaner. Or we could ponder ways of bringing virtue back into our own lives and culture.
Areas of Catholic Herald business are still recovering post-pandemic.
However, we are reaching out to the Catholic community and readership, that has been so loyal to the Catholic Herald. Please join us on our 135 year mission by supporting us.
We are raising £250,000 to safeguard the Herald as a world-leading voice in Catholic journalism and teaching.
We have been a bold and influential voice in the church since 1888, standing up for traditional Catholic culture and values. Please consider donating.