no more easter for me! nope, can't stand all that fecundity and new life at this time of the year. This is the time for harvest and packing on the fat to survive the winter.
But, in it's finite wisdom, the Government gives me 2 public holidays a year in April (occasionaly March).
Well it seems to me than an Oktoberfest is the correct response. Don't get me wrong, I'm not thinking of an Antipodean Tent type experience. Urgh. Nor lederhosen and sillly hats with things sticking out of them. I'm not necessarily thinking anything German at all. I'm thinking a harvest festival. A time of drinking the dark beer (cause it's finally got cold enough to find it pleasant again). A time of roasted chestnuts and spicy buns (ok, that gets the cross in there somewhere - my great aunt would be pleased). A time of gathering together and celebrating plenty.
Now if only I hadn't already agreed to go bush for the whole weekend!
p.s. The okoberfest naming is actually in recognition of a tiny, very local, villiage festival I had the priviledge of visiting briefly in Bavaria 18 months ago. There was a distinct air of quiet cheerful, positivity and community which I loved. Especially from a group of people who were about to face 8 months of snow. I also don't think they were confusing their heritage and its celebration with German nationalism. A conflation Germans continue to have real trouble with even 60 years after Hitler died. It reminded me of nothing quite so much as a Highland games.
Posted by carla at April 10, 2006 12:05 AM