Team Meeting

1. Volkshochschule Olching e.V.

2. Team Meeting Olching/Germany December 14 to 18, 2011 Volkshochschule Olching e.V.

3. Bavarian Traditions Bavaria is very rich of traditions. Bavarian people love them and are proud of them. Lots of the traditions are bound to religious events and are taking place all over the year. This presentation only shows a small selections of famous traditional events. Volkshochschule Olching e.V.

4. January-February Hornschlittenrennen (sledge race on a traditional sledge) and “Fasching” A "Hornschlitten" is a traditional sledge which allowed the transportation of hay and wood down into the valley during winter time in earlier days. Today, mostly around carnival time, there are some spots in the Bavarian and Allgaeu Alps where people, sometimes in carnival costumes, race down the hill and over big jumps. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t7fN1p_7ogs&feature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7nAZslcEplM&feature=related Carnival called „Fasching“ In Olching since 1923 Fasching is the name given to Carnival in Bavaria. Olching is known for having the longest „Fasching procession“ in the region. Volkshochschule Olching e.V.

5. MarchStarkbierzeit (Strong Beer Season) Starkbierzeit (Strong Beer Season) Strong “lent” beer had already been served during this period of carnival since the mid 15th century. Monks brewed lent beer, because they weren't allowed to eat during this period. All these strong beers have the suffix "-ator" in their name, like: "Delicator", "Triumphator", "Animator" and so on. One of the most famous events of the Strong Beeer Season takes place at the "Nockerberg" where a barrel of "Salvator" is tapped and comedians mock in a very humorous way - called "Derblecken“ - the politicians who have to face their critics. In Lots of places the strong beer season is coupled with “Steinheben” (stone lifting). Young men try to lift a stone of about 110 kg or more. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FzlYLkArAR8&feature=related Volkshochschule Olching e.V.

6. AprilPalm SundayandEaster Palmsonntag (Palm Sunday) First of all, Palm Sunday is a religious festive day. But beside the religious meaning it always makes people call the one who gets out of bed last this day the "Palmesel" (palm donkey). This is because the donkey is said to be a lazy and easy-going animal. So never get up too late that day (Sunday before Easter), otherwise someone might call you the "Palmesel".But you can refer to the bible: "The latter will be first!" • In true Bavarian style Easter is celebrated with a mixture of ancient traditions and 21st century goodies: Easter Bunny (Osterhase), coloured eggs, kids searching for eggs kindly left by the “Osterhase”, roast lamb lunch, Easter lamb cake and more. Decoration: “Palmbüscheln” to be blessed on Palm Sunday 15/12/2011 Volkshochschule Olching e.V. Volkshochschule Olching e.V. 6

7. Mai Maibaum aufstellen (Maypole raising) Every year there is fierce competition between the towns and cities in Bavaria for where the highest (some up to over 90 feet) and most majestic pole is erected. The Maypole can look different in each region. In some places it is planted with the tree bark, and in others it is stripped and painted blue-and-white, hung with colorful ribbons, decorated with carved figures and adorned with a wreath. The pole is erected by without technical assistance just with thick, long rods (“Schaibeln”) bound together into “Scheren”. This work can stretch out over two hours. In neighbour communities the young men's associations often try to steal the Maypole. According to a custom the stolen pole has to be redeemed by a ransom consisting of beer and food which both communities share together. Volkshochschule Olching e.V.

8. Mai - June Fronleichnam (Corpus Christi) Fronleichnam (Corpus Christi) Many processions take place in Bavaria. One of the most interesting ones is the only existing lake procession at Lake Staffelsee near Murnau where hundreds of people meet with their small boats for a mass celebrated by the local priest. May processions are often devoted to the Virgin Mary and take place in many villages. A famous procession is the one in Kochel at the „Walchensee“. 15/12/2011 Volkshochschule Olching e.V. Volkshochschule Olching e.V.

9. Mai - June Kötzinger Pfingstritt (Whitsun Ride) The almost 600 year old Whitsun ride in Kötzing , called “Eucharistic Procession on horse”, is one of the oldest event in Bavaria and starts by custom on Whitsunday at 8 o´clock. The ride with about 900 cavaliers in passed down costumes and with superbly decorated horses – leads to the Nicholas church seven kilometers away. Only men are allowed to participate to this pilgrimage. According to the legend, in 1412, a chaplain had to bring a dying man the last sacraments. On the way courageous young men from Kötzing defended the Sanctum against predaceous assaults. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NO8yySEd4_w Volkshochschule Olching e.V.

10. Juli Landshuter Hochzeit (The Wedding in Landshut) The former capital of Bavaria makes History come alive: Every four years far more than 2000 citizens revive with enthusiasm the whole splendor of the late Middle Ages wearing costumes tailored true to the original. Celebrations take place on four weekends during three weeks. They represent the wedding of the Polish King´s daughter Hedwig to the Duke of Wittelsbach George of Bavaria-Landshut. The next celebration of the "Landshuter Hochzeit 1475" takes place from 28 June - 21 July 2013. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7nEbBJ8MMts 15/12/2011 Volkshochschule Olching e.V. Volkshochschule Olching e.V. 10

11. JuliRitterspiele in Kaltenberg (Kaltenberg Knights Tournament) The world's largest Knights Tournament is held in Kaltenberg, not far from Munich, on three weekends in July. 1,200 participants contribute to an incomparable atmosphere at the mediaeval market: juggling and music, the life of knights and historical handicrafts, minstrelsy and magic, food and drink, everything your heart could desire. And in the arena, the world-famous “Cascadeurs Associés” hold a jousting tournament, as breath-taking as any in the 14th century could have been. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=68aQxaSquU4&feature=related 15/12/2011 15/12/2011 Volkshochschule Olching e.V. Volkshochschule Olching e.V. Volkshochschule Olching e.V. 11 11

12. September – October Viehscheid or Almabtrieb (an autumn cattle-drive from the high alpine pastures) In early September the cows are driven back downhill. The lead cows (only one per herd) are adorned with ornamental head-dresses and huge clanking bells. By doing so, people celebrate their safe return in towns and villages. Harvest festival (Erntedankfest) is celebrated on the first Sunday of October. It is one of the oldest tradition as in former time people thanked God for a good harvest in bringing a selection of fruits and vegetables as well as corn, wine and more. Kirchweihfest, originally the church anniversary, now takes place mostly on the 3rd Sunday of October. In some villages and towns, it is a day when young men look for a bride. Dances in traditional costumes are part of the festivity. 15/12/2011 Volkshochschule Olching e.V. Volkshochschule Olching e.V. 12

13. October “Oktoberfest” Munich famous beer festival What’s the history behind the Oktoberfest? It all started with a horse race which the national guard staged for the people on 17th August 1810 to mark the wedding of Ludwig Crown Prince of Bavaria (later King Ludwig I) to Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen. The race was such a success that it was staged again the following year on the Theresienwiese – the meadow named in honour of the Princess. From 1870 onwards the number of stalls began to increase and in 1896 the very first beer tents were erected which sold only beer brewed in Munich – a tradition which has remained to the present day. Due to lack of space the horse races with which it all began were staged for the last time in 1936. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VSTY-Aan7Q0 15/12/2011 15/12/2011 Volkshochschule Olching e.V. Volkshochschule Olching e.V. Volkshochschule Olching e.V. 13 13

14. November “Leonhardi Ritt” St. Leonhard Horse Procession and St. Martin´s Day St. Leonhard Horse Procession This major procession honours St. Leonard, and features townsfolk dressed in traditional garments, as well as brass bands and flower-festooned horse carts. Most famous version of this is in Tegernsee. St. Martin´s Day on the 11st of November is celebrated in remembrance of St. Martin who divided his coat into two pieces and gave one half to a poor man so that he could survive in winter. It has the symbolic of sharing goods with the poorest persons. Children – especially the small ones - make lampions of paper and wander singing through the streets to the church where they receive a cookie , a St. Martin cake. There are also St. Martin´s fires in numerous villages. 15/12/2011 15/12/2011 15/12/2011 Volkshochschule Olching e.V. Volkshochschule Olching e.V. Volkshochschule Olching e.V. Volkshochschule Olching e.V. 14 14 14

15. December St. Nicholas and Christmas Market St. Nicholas and his helper “Knecht Ruprecht” come in kindergartens and schools but can also be „rented“ by parents and come in your home. While St. Nicholas is giving small presents and sweets to nice children, Knecht Ruprecht ´s duty is to reprimand naughty children. Traditional German Christmas markets are becoming more and more famous among tourists. Just think about the world famous Nuremberg Christkindlsmarkt, the mulled wine (Glühwein), the gingerbread (Lebkuchen) and all the other typical sweets. Most Christmas markets in Bavaria start in the last week of November for the beginning of the Advent and last until two or three days before Christmas Eve.  15/12/2011 15/12/2011 15/12/2011 Volkshochschule Olching e.V. Volkshochschule Olching e.V. Volkshochschule Olching e.V. Volkshochschule Olching e.V. 15 15 15

16. 31st of December Silvester – New Year´s Eve Sylvester is celebrated with festivities of all sizes from large gala dinners and balls to local festivities in cities, towns and villages across the state. Sparkling wine and fireworks are a must.  Private parties surrounded by your closest friends often involve eating a fondue or a raclette, singing, dancing and the tradition of “Bleigiessen”. A small piece of lead is melted in a spoon over candle flame and then dropped into ice cold water. From the shape formed by the hardened lead predictions are made about what is going to happen during the year. New Year's Eve Shooting in Berchtesgaden:  Similar to Christmas Eve, on December 31st, numerous members of the shooting clubs use their black powder guns (Handböller) to salute the New Year. Shooting starts at 23:30 and increases in volume until midnight. Many locals set off fireworks and firecrackers as well. In numerous farms prayers are said, special candles lit and incense burned. This is called the second 'incensing' night. 15/12/2011 15/12/2011 15/12/2011 Volkshochschule Olching e.V. Volkshochschule Olching e.V. Volkshochschule Olching e.V. Volkshochschule Olching e.V. 16 16 16

17. And there are more ..... If you are interested to know more about traditions in Bavaria, we suggest you to have a look at these few ones: “Fingerhakeln” : http://bavarianspaces.de/index.php/top-10/schoensten-bayerischen-gebraeuche/2547/ “Schnalzen” http://www.schnalzen.de/index.php?menue=00000401 “Watschentanz”: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ALzUlKWXe_E&feature=player_embedded “Dirndlflug am Ammersee” http://dirndlflug.de/galerie/ “Eisstockschiessen” : http://bavarianspaces.de/index.php/top-10/schoensten-bayerischen-gebraeuche/2547/ 15/12/2011 15/12/2011 15/12/2011 Volkshochschule Olching e.V. Volkshochschule Olching e.V. Volkshochschule Olching e.V. Volkshochschule Olching e.V. 17 17 17

18. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QMx2nvmHvtU (Schäfflertanz – created 1517 during the pest epidemy by coopers) Celia Dierl and Hélène Sajons Volkshochschule Olching e.V.