Why We Wear Tracht — Reading Liederkranz (2024)

Why We Wear Tracht!

The Reading Liederkranz Oktoberfest is proud to uphold the customs and traditions of Germany, our ancestral homeland. Our members take pride in presenting an authentic festival, and that just doesn't include food, beer and plenty of fun. It also includes wearing authentic clothing or 'tracht'.

In earlier times, each 'tracht' identified a person as belonging to a particular group in terms of social and legal status (married, single), origin or trade. Today, the term is used to describe any garment reminiscent of the attire of rural communities. Regional varieties vary greatly.

Women's attire, the dirndl, consists of a close fitting bodice combined with an apron in a different color. Sometimes its sleeveless and worn with a cotton and lace blouse, sometimes it features sleeves and a high neck. Hats are often costly and elaborate. They vary according to occasion and region: 'Goldhauben' (Upper Austria) and 'Bollenhut' (Black Forest region, Germany) are only worn on festive occasions.

A man's traditional clothing is made from leather, linen and wool. The 'Lederhosen', knee-length trousers or short-pants made from leather are worn with rustic shoes and wool socks. Again, jackets and hats vary according to region and occasion.

In many regions, especially Southern Germany, Bavaria and Austria, it is still acceptable to wear 'tracht' on official occasions like weddings, festivals, Church services, etc. Contemporary fashion adapts to traditional elements, and today the production of dirndl and lederhosen is a thriving industry in Germany.

Why We Wear Tracht — Reading Liederkranz (2024)

FAQs

Why We Wear Tracht — Reading Liederkranz? ›

It also includes wearing authentic clothing or 'tracht'. In earlier times, each 'tracht' identified a person as belonging to a particular group in terms of social and legal status (married, single), origin or trade. Today, the term is used to describe any garment reminiscent of the attire of rural communities.

What is the historical significance of Trachten? ›

Historically, trachten identified wearers as belonging to a certain social class, working in a given occupation, or following a certain religion. Sometimes trachten were worn as a symbol of national unity. Today, trachten can be a meaningful way to connect with one's cultural heritage.

What is a German Tracht? ›

Tracht (German pronunciation: [ˈtʁaxt]) refers to traditional garments in German-speaking countries and regions.

What is the Oktoberfest outfit called? ›

During these festivals, participants often dress in traditional outfits such as dirndls and lederhosen. Dirndls and lederhosen are also worn as party clothing at Oktoberfest celebrations around the world.

Why did people wear lederhosen? ›

Formerly, lederhosen were worn for pheasant work among men of the Alpine and surrounding regions, including Bavaria, Austria, the Allgäu, Switzerland, the autonomous Italian region of Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol (formerly part of Austria-Hungary) and Alpine area of today's Slovenia.

Where is Trachten worn? ›

In many regions, especially Southern Germany, Bavaria and Austria, it is still acceptable to wear 'tracht' on official occasions like weddings, festivals, Church services, etc. Contemporary fashion adapts to traditional elements, and today the production of dirndl and lederhosen is a thriving industry in Germany.

What is traditional Bavarian clothing? ›

Called Tracht in German, this distinctive form of dress was once worn day in, day out by men, women, and children in the Alpine regions of Bavaria and Austria. For men, the most recognisable element is, of course, the lederhosen; for women, the dirndl is the most typical piece.

What do Germans wear in their culture? ›

Dirndl dresses and Lederhosen, synonymous with Bavarian culture, are undoubtedly iconic representations of German traditional clothing. However, Germany's diverse regions boast a plethora of unique Trachten (traditional garments), each with its distinct flair.

What is an Oktoberfest hat called? ›

The Tyrolean hat (German: Tirolerhut, Italian: cappello alpino), also Tyrolese hat, Bavarian hat or Alpine hat, is a type of headwear that originally came from the Tyrol in the Alps, in what is now part of Austria, Germany, Italy and Switzerland.

What to wear in Germany? ›

Don't wear yoga pants

A dark pair of slim or skinny jeans, a nice top and a cardigan, with a scarf thrown over the top, will do well in any German city. I have joked with my husband there is a German Dad uniform on the weekends: chinos in a dark colour, t-shirt or collared shirt, and a v-neck jumper on top.

What do German girls wear at Oktoberfest? ›

Dirndls are the traditional Bavarian dress you most commonly associate with Oktoberfest (see here for some modern and fun examples). Of course, the prevalence of “ladyhosen” (lederhosen for women) increases every year.

What are the German beer girls called? ›

Kellner /Kellnerin. German for Beer Maids and Beer Waiters. Staff at Oktoberfest Munich have to be incredibly tough!

Is Oktoberfest Polish or German? ›

The Oktoberfest is a two-week festival held each year in Munich, Germany during late September and early October.

Is it OK to wear lederhosen? ›

Even girls wore them — both the traditional style and a feminized version made out of regular red leather. No, the typical Bavarian Lederhosen are worn by actual Bavarians mostly for tourist shows but also for real use, but nobody would be offended if anybody else would wear them. ...

Why don't you wash lederhosen? ›

So whether it's slightly out-of-control dirt or a couple of bad stains you've noticed, your lederhosen needs a bit of care and attention. That doesn't mean cleaning them, though, as you might expect, but washing them in water. Sounds wrong, right? As mentioned above, water can be damaging to leather.

What is the historical significance of Oktoberfest? ›

Oktoberfest's roots can be traced back to 1810 in Munich, which is in the Bavarian region of Germany. On October 12th of that year, the future King Ludwig got married and invited the entire city to attend the celebration, which included a large feast and horse races.

What does the German dirndl knot mean? ›

If the knot of the apron is tied in the front, towards the left side, it means that a woman is single. Tied on the Right. However, if the knot of the apron is tied to the right side, it means that the woman is either married or in a relationship.

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