What happens when a psychologist analyzes Munich’s favorite beer festival? Brigitte Veiz put two years of research and decades of self-experience on the Oktoberfest and Germany’s many Volksfests into the socio-psychological diploma thesis for her PhD. She details the hidden mythos and ancient rituals behind the festival’s special chants, songs, symbols, giant pretzel, cup & beverage, Dirndl dress and Lederhosen, traditional hunting momentos/trophies, strangers coming together in group conviviality, the role of “Bavaria” the Goddess statue overseeing the festival, her ties to Dionysus and Bacchus, and more. Brigitte details the statistics, the prep work, the crowds — six million strong, the history and origins, 211 years ago, of this most enduring and popular festival. Did it come together quite organically to fulfill the same deep purpose of the ancient rites? Paul & Laura note the very early history of beer & bread-making, the long history of community-wide celebrations and feasts, such as ancient Egypt’s annual beer fest in honor of the lion goddess Sekhmet.
Hosted by Laura Lee and Paul Robear. Conversation4Exploration, Conversation 4 Exploration, Conversation for Exploration, Cuyamungue: Felicitas D. Goodman Institute, The Laura Lee Show