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OktoberfestOktoberfest is the largest folk festival in the world: In 2023, 7.2 million visitors drank close to 2 million gallons of beer, making it the most-attended Oktoberfest ever.
The first Oktoberfest was held in 1810 to celebrate the marriage of Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen. That year, five days of performances, food, and music culminated with a horse race. Since that first year, it’s grown considerably. It’s also spread far beyond Germany, with celebrations in many countries outside of Europe.
The next century brought additions like roasted chicken vendors (still an integral part of Oktoberfest), carnival rides, and the now-ubiquitous glass steins for beer, all of which made the festival more popular than ever. Beer is integral to Oktoberfest, but only beers from one of six designated breweries in the city of Munich can be officially called “Oktoberfestbier.”Explore Oktoberfest
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Explore Eleanor Roosevelt's marriage to FDR, their partnership, and her work after his deathEleanor Roosevelt revolutionized the role of first lady by holding regular press conferences and hosting a radio show. This podcast features her discussions about their relationship, how she handled policy disagreements with FDR, and her role in drafting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights at the UN. Marriages are more at risk when the woman is sickA study tracking 25,000 copies over 18 years revealed marriages tend to end in divorce more often when the woman is sick. Conversely, men's health issues do not impact divorce rates. Researchers noted that increased depression, potentially as a result of financial dependence, contributes to the disparity. Generally, most marriages do not end when a spouse becomes sick. Psychology TodayLong, happy marriages have these important traitsIt may not be rocket science, but a lifetime partnership could still use some study. This quick list of smart traits gets into key traits that typically help a marriage remain happy ever after. Using studies from trained therapists and researchers, the article explains how really knowing each other, accepting bids for attention, seeking resolution to conflict, and more are essential to durable marriages. Read it here. FortuneMarriage is experiencing a general declineMarriage has taken drastically different forms than in the past. The transformation of marriage from a form of economic dependency for women to an equal partnership has forged demographic shifts. Richard Reeves, author of "Of Boys and Men," explains how economic and educational factors have potentially destabilized partnerships and changed patterns of “marriageability” for middle- and lower-class men. Big ThinkAround the world, marriage plays an important role in bolstering social stabilityMarriage was around in one form or another long before written history. From bonds between two people to large polyamorous gatherings of spouses, the rich history of marriage practices demonstrates that partnerships have been, and will likely continue to be, incredibly diverse. TED-Ed40% of Americans polled by Pew Research Center felt pessimistic about marriageBlack and Asian respondents reported more pessimism about marriage than white or Hispanic respondents. Over half of Republicans feel negatively about the future of marriage, while only 25% of Democrats felt the same. Pew Research CenterMarriage rates are declining, especially in the richest countries89% of the world’s population now live in countries with falling rates. Increasing costs of living, the financial burden of starting a family, and the rise of secularism are some of the key factors reducing marriage rates among the less affluent. CNBC InternationalInterracial and same-sex marriages have both been illegal at certain times during US historyJune 12 marks Loving Day, the date when interracial marriage was legalized in 1967. A brave Virginia couple fought back against anti-miscegenation laws, which were finally struck down by the Supreme Court. The Court also ruled for the protection of same-sex marriages in 2015. NPREach state has its own regulations regarding marriageSome states don’t even require a ceremony or license, opting to allow “common law” marriages. Prenuptial agreements and other legal matters will likely require an attorney’s help. And marriages can offer benefits, like tax breaks. NOLOLove is a more recent part of marriageLove matches are incredibly late to the marriage game. For most of our history, marriage has been about alliance, wealth, property, power, and, as an occasional afterthought, the couple liking each other. All that changed when Enlightenment thinkers were inspired in their pursuit of personal happiness, including in their choice of mate. PBS Origins Variations of marriage existed in ancient West AfricaThe enormous landmass of Africa has been home to numerous cultures and countries, and there’s been no singular way to get married. One striking aspect has been the matrilineal belt across central Africa, where wealth was passed down through the female, rather than the male, line. In some regions, it was also acceptable for a woman to take more than one husband. Encyclopedia.comAncient Chinese marriages began with an elaborate marriage proposal and acceptance between familiesThe chief objectives of early Chinese marriages involved joining and enhancing the two families and ensuring succession with numerous descendants. Chinese couples still compare astrological signs, although some of the more elaborate rituals of betrothal gifts and sleeping in the “cock loft” are far less common. Chinese Historical & Cultural ProjectMarriage as a concept is believed to be at least 4,300 years oldIn the past, formal marriage spread because it was a great way to accumulate property and allies. Now, some couples want love and healthy companionship. Marriage has undergone many transformations, from the inclusion of consent, thanks to religious leaders, to sanctification by the state. The WeekAnthropologists have found that, across the globe, nearly every culture embraces marriage customsDespite these commonalities, different cultures have distinct customs, such as the number of people who can be married at one time, the types of marriage partners allowed, and whether elaborate ceremonies are observed. Families can range from the smaller nuclear unit to extensive multi-generation families and households. Yale UniversitySocial scientists hold various beliefs about the role of marriage in our livesFunctionalists believe that marriage fulfills specific needs, while conflict theory highlights inherent power struggles within a couple’s relationship. LumenMarriage is a legally and socially sanctioned unionMarriage's definition may seem simple—a union of two or more people who join their lives together in a culturally appropriate fashion. However, elaborate customs and diverse expectations dictate the roles spouses will play for one another. Across different regions and periods, marriages have taken a great number of forms. Encyclopaedia BritannicaMozart's 'The Marriage of Figaro' satirizes aristocratic privilege“The Marriage of Figaro” tells a tale about young lovers, deception, and dynamics between the aristocracy and their servants. Critiquing French society just years before the French Revolution began, this rebellious work of art experienced wild success while also being the subject of censorship and bans in the late 1700s. English National OperaRun your numbers in this marriage tax calculatorWhen it comes to federal income taxes, not every couple benefits from getting married. This calculator lets you see how much two specific people might pay if they were to get married based on their individual income levels and more. Specifically, the calculator compares the taxes a married couple would pay if they filed a joint return with what they would pay if they were unmarried and each filed as single. Urban InstituteCreating the iPhone ended the marriages of several of Apple's engineersIn the early 2000s, Apple recruited multiple engineers onto rival teams tasked with combining phone, internet, and iPod capabilities. Despite significant technical hurdles, Steve Jobs favored a prototype with multitouch technology and a modified Mac operating system over a competing in-house model based on the iPod's click wheel. The VergeScientists used mass spectrometry to determine the materials in a 1690 paintingPreviously used to map the distribution of molecules on biological tissue samples, researchers combined the technique with machine learning to uncover six layers of pigments, binders, and a thin gold leaf layer within *The Marriage of the Virgin*, from a collection in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The technique may help identify and track artists' material use to learn about pieces of unknown provenance. (Some readers may experience a paywall.) Chemical & Engineering NewsEleanor Roosevelt sheltered student activists at the White House after they were subpoenaed by HUACIn 1939, when Congress subpoenaed leaders of the American Youth Congress on suspicion of communist ties, Eleanor Roosevelt attended the hearings herself and then invited all 10 students to stay at the White House, as they had nowhere to sleep. NPRMore than 1,100 letters between Abigail and John Adams have survivedTheir correspondence is a rich collection of American history. The letters provide a personal glimpse into the Revolution, the early republic, and the dynamics of one of America's most significant marriages. Abigail and John Adams married in 1764 and maintained a decades-long partnershipAbigail Smith married John Adams on Oct. 25, 1764, beginning a partnership that would last for more than five decades. Despite long separations during the Revolution and John's diplomatic career, the two maintained a deep intellectual and personal bond throughout their lives. HISTORYMarried computer scientists at Stanford University built the router that became the foundation for CiscoLen Bosack and Sandy Lerner were both computer scientists at Stanford University in 1984 when the pair created a router that connected computers on different networks. The pair asked for Stanford's permission to manufacture the router, but the university declined, and the couple decided to leave their jobs to launch Cisco, one of the tech companies that powers the internet. Business MoversA year's name is determined by the 12-year Chinese zodiac cycleAccording to Lunar New Year traditions, the coming year gets its name based on the 12-year Chinese zodiac cycle. The animals, in order, are rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig. 2026 is the Year of the Horse, an animal known for its strength and momentum, while 2027 will be the Year of the Goat. Wake Forest UniversityGeorge Washington married Martha Dandridge Custis in 1759Before marrying George Washington, Martha Dandridge Curtis was a wealthy widow with two children. Their marriage formed a stable personal and economic partnership. She managed Mount Vernon during Washington's absences and later played a central role as a political host and confidant throughout his public life. Colonial WilliamsburgIn 1957, a vice president at JP Morgan became an outspoken evangelist for psychedelic mushroomsR. Gordon Wasson wrote "Seeking the Magic Mushroom" for Life magazine in 1957. It was a groundbreaking piece of journalism that introduced mainstream society to psychedelic mushrooms. He retired from JP Morgan in 1963 and continued researching and writing about psychedelic experiences for the rest of his life. JSTOR DailyThe Vatican included 'The Second Sex' on its list of forbidden booksIn 1956, the Vatican added Simone de Beauvoir's "The Second Sex" and her novel "The Mandarins" to its Index Librorum Prohibitorum, which already included every book by her partner Jean-Paul Sartre. The Vatican newspaper explained that de Beauvoir's books, which advocated for birth control and criticized marriage, included "the harmful atmosphere of a certain existentialist philosophy" that contained a "hidden poison." (Some readers may experience a paywall.) The New York TimesThe deadliest fireworks accident in history was Marie-Antoinette's weddingIn 1770, a fireworks display in Paris celebrating the marriage of Marie-Antoinette to the Dauphin, later known as Louis XVI, resulted in as many as 3,000 deaths. Most casualties were caused by trampling from a panicked crowd of thousands rushing away after some fireworks were blown into the spectators Atlas ObscuraSouth Korea has the lowest fertility rate in the worldIf current birthing trends persist, every hundred South Koreans today will have only six great-grandchildren between them. This crisis is a result of high expenses, harsh work-family trade-offs for women, declining marriage rates, and other societal factors. Some newer policies are helping to build incentives for having children, but larger issues also need to be addressed. Works In Progress'Do something you really like, and hopefully it pays the rent. As far as I'm concerned, that's success.'- Musician Tom Petty (1950–2017) The Capitol TheatreThe Hays Code limited the ways horror films could scare audiencesBeginning in 1930, the Hays Code laid out a strict set of guidelines for Hollywood filmmakers to prevent films that might corrupt those with a “susceptible mind.” That meant no graphic violence, no sexual relations outside of marriage (or of a homosexual nature), and no interracial relationships, among other dictums. FANGORIAAI chatbot use among quarreling couples can aggravate tensionsChatbots can become a sounding board for venting spouses looking to analyze their relationship and find support for their views. Many couples report the negative influence of chatbots like ChatGPT, with some claiming the tools led to divorce. FuturismSir Thomas Overbury's poem "A Wife" inspired its subject to poison himOverbury wrote the critical poem to suggest that the ex-wife of his friend Robert Carr, Frances Howard, had failed in her marital duties. Its contents enraged her, leading her to craft a conspiracy that left Overbury dead from poisoning. Literary HubA 19th-century feather bed required 1,700 passenger pigeons to makeFeather beds were once the default style of mattress, where even low-income farmers had enough birds to save up feathers over time to build one. A pound of feathers from domesticated geese—the most desired type—could often cost more than a gallon of whiskey. Learn dozens of facts about featherbeds in this essay. Bird HistoryJoseph Chapman, the 'Forrest Gump' of Santa Barbara historyJoseph Chapman was born in Boston and began his career as a pirate, once raiding the Ortega estate in Santa Barbara. Nearly sentenced to death, Chapman was spared by the intervention of Maria Ortega. The two would marry years later after Chapman reformed his ways, contributing to the agriculture and architecture of coastal California. The Santa Barbara IndependentOrganic architecture marries man-made buildings with the natural context around themFrank Lloyd Wright’s nebulous concept of organic architecture is one that even he struggled to define. Its basic premise is to make a building look as though it grew from the land it stands on by emphasizing natural materials and incorporating the surrounding environment into the design. Frank Lloyd Wright | Ken Burns | PBSFollow 5 attendees at Comic-Con 2010This heartfelt documentary tracks five underdogs—from an Air Force artist and a cosplay designer, to a marriage‑proposal hopeful—revealing how Comic‑Con’s chaos, camaraderie, and celebrity encounters become transformative milestones on their quests for creative, personal, and emotional breakthroughs. Tubi'The Theory of Everything' depicts Stephen Hawking through Jane Wilde’s eyesStephen Hawking credits Jane Wilde, his first wife, for giving him “something to live for” after his ALS diagnosis. This biographical drama of Hawking’s life, adapted from her memoir, details their relationship and the effects his illness and success in physics had on their marriage. Universal Pictures UKIn 1924, the department store Marshall Field’s invented the first modern 'wedding registry'However, there were many traditions around wedding gifts before the wedding registry was invented, too, from doweries to marriage chests. Read about the history of the wedding registry in this article. The KnotFrance once had a reproduction czar to help midwives deliver babiesMuch ado is made about falling marriage and birth rates worldwide, and how they might affect tax bases, retirement funds, and social standing. But this isn’t the first time marriage, and subsequently reproduction, have fallen out of favor. Some countries have resorted to drastic measures to restore the tarnished state of these hallowed institutions. The ConversationCriticism, contempt, defensiveness, and stonewalling are very likely to lead to relationships failingThe Gottmans, both psychologists and long-time relationship counselors with dozens of books and articles between them, are renowned for their approach to fostering healthy relationships. This video outlines negative relational attitudes—what the Gottmans call “The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse”—that are correlated with relationship failure, and how to avoid them. The Gottman InstituteCouples therapy has seen a massive boom in recent years70% of therapists offer couples counseling. Experts predict continuous growth in the field. With so many marriages ending in divorce, more couples are recognizing the potential for therapy to get them back on track. And parents are starting to see the impacts of divorce on their children and their own mental health. Psychology TodayAs of 2021, 25% of 40-year-olds in the United States had never been marriedIf you’re in your forties and without a college degree, you’re significantly less likely to have ever been married now than in the past. Ditto for Black 40-year-olds and middle-aged men. There’s been a huge jump from the 6% of 40-year-olds who had never been married in 1980. Despite the historical significance of marriage, the trend away from wedded bliss has been rising steadily over the past three decades. Pew Research CenterGhost weddings used to be more commonGhost weddings are marriages between two deceased parties, or one living and one dead partner. They satisfy departed family members’ needs for companionship and peace in the afterlife, according to Chinese spiritual beliefs. Unfortunately, since ghost marriages are pricey and can include the mingling of mortal remains, murderers and grave robbers have, at times, sought to supply spouses through nefarious means. South China Morning PostDivorce reportedly existed in hunter-gatherer societiesThough divorces have been around for centuries and have become increasingly common, they can still be perceived with hints of shame. Historian Stephanie Coontz advises readers that the good old days of marriage may have been just as bad as today, considering its prevalence throughout history. Family ProcessShould married couples combine finances?Millennials who live together are more likely to keep their finances separate than any previous generation. After all, as people get married later in life and enter marriage with more assets and financial independence, some argue that the traditional route is risky. But others point to research that suggests couples who combine their finances are still happier than those who don't. To learn more, watch this video. Two CentsDocumented proof of Shakespeare’s lifeBirth in 1564 in the small town of Stratford-upon-Avon; marriage to Anne Hathaway in 1582; and the appearance of his first born (1583) and first printed play (1594): If you’ve ever doubted the Bard’s existence, here are his life’s milestones backed by historical documents. Folger Shakespeare LibraryOktoberfest, explainedThe first Oktoberfest was held in 1810 to celebrate the marriage of Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen. It was the surprising prototype of what would become every beer fan's favorite festival. Held in late September and early October, Oktoberfest is the largest folk festival in the world. 1440The 'golden age' studio system often controlled actors' personal livesThe "Big Five" studio system minted stars, but it also tightly controlled their personal lives. Homosexuality, in particular, was seen as a liability. One example is Rock Hudson, a major star in the 1950s and '60s, who was forced into an arranged marriage with his agent's secretary. NPR
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