Northern German culture?

Question

I live in the north, and I understand why northern Germans think the rest of the world are fools when they tend to present ALL German cultures with the images of Lederhosen, Oktoberfest, ect. I also understand that the aforementioned are a part of Bavarian culture, and not northern Germany. So my question is, what elements makes up northern German culture as far as national dress (comparable to Lederhosen in the south) and music? I'm familiar with the food since I live here and have tasted it:) Thank you, I'm really just curious.

Answer 1

Your question is about stereotypes like all questions about "culture", and actually I don't like to answer them for that reason. However, as we both know the danger, let's go.

I am sure that you have seen some Northern German traditional costumes already, each village use to have its own as well as its own flag and coat of arms. You have certainly heard Northern German music already, even sung in Low German, if you live here.

But I don't want to go too far with these comparisons, they would lead us away from the point. Music and clothes are just two aspects of culture. There are some more. Have you heard the Latin word "Frisia non cantat"? It's a stereotype, of course, but also an interesting word about "culture" and how it can reveal itself in a surprising way. Frisians prefer the saying: "God created the sea, the Frisian created the coast." Maybe you know that story about the people who walked along the seasinde instead of going to the service on Sunday morning, telling the priest: "We were listening to the voice of God", after that. "If he does his job well, he may finally go to heaven" is a very popular way of thinking about priests in Northern Germany. I can't imagine people from here to accept anyone standing between the Lord and themselves, authorized to remiss their sins or to refuse it. And finally I must mention the Hanseatic custom to reject all badges of honour on principle. They won't talk about the reason, but the thought behind it is almost anarchic: "Who are you, to decorate me? Look out and live your own life in the right way."

People with such a mentality have a strong and sober "culture", but they don't tend to talk and discuss very much, and it will never be their biggest speciality to come together for singing and celebrating.

Answer 2

the north is the culture of sailing and fishing :-)

national dresses there are having the scandinavian touch as well as the dutch. Seaside living people you know.

the music history is mostly based on adventures on the sea stories using typical instruments.

scroogle for north german culture and history and you can find a lot of information.

this site provides many usful information too:

http://www.germanculture.com.ua

I never understood why travellers always run to see Bavaria and Oktoberfest instead of real experiences. That might be the "must see, must do" character. People are different. :-)

Answer 3

The reason there are so many differences between north and the south of Germany is that Germany not always was one country! There where a lot of different larger and smaller states and kingdoms and they were united not long ago (in the 19th century). In the north there was the Kingdom of Prussia and in the South Bavaria and other states:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Map-D...

The cuture and music in norther Germany is more influenced by the coast and from other nothern cultures like Denmark or Holland and also the language is similar. Southern Germany especially Bavaria is more influenced by the Alps and other countries like Austria and Switzerland. So I think the differences between North and South Germany are have geographical and historical reasons.