Get your mugs ready because Oktoberfest has started. Contrary to popular belief, this 16-day festival starts at the end of September and culminates in an all-out beer and sausage blow-out on October 3. Oktoberfest dates back to 1810 when the public celebrated the marriage of King Ludwig I and Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen (try saying that after a few Lowenbrau). What started off as a horse race and wedding celebration quickly grew into a festival with carnival booths, parades, dance halls and lots and lots of beer. Today Oktoberfest has turned into a world celebration, and while close to 7 million people visit Munich's festival tents during these two weeks, there are plenty of places to celebrate in our own backyard.
But before you head out to the local beer house, get out your lederhosen. These breeches made of leather are considered leisure wear for working class men and should not be adulterated in any way. Here are a few simple guidelines...
1. Lederhosen are for men and should not be worn as alternative club or swimwear by any female.
2. Under no circumstance should you "bedazzle" or add "accents" to the leather shorts.
4. Lederhosen will NOT make you look sexy. Even if you are an Avatar struggling with his sexuality stuck in Everquest.
5. Be comfortable and confident in your leather shorts. In the end of the day comfort wins over style and the fact that the material repels both beer and mustard stains allows for hours of drinking with total disregard to table manners. And isn't that what you want?