Trachten Glossary

The following glossary is provided as a public service to people who want to know more about the German clothing traditionally worn at the Elk Toss.

Dirndl - traditional German dress for women (think St. Pauli Girl)

Gamsbart - tuft of hair attached to hats

Lederhosen - literally "leather pants". Not to be confused with Liederhosen ("song-pants") or Leiderhosen ("sadly-pants")

Schulplattler - traditional Austrian-Bavarian dance (similar to the dance sequence in National Lampoon's European Vacation)

Tracht/Trachten - traditional clothing/costumes worn in German-speaking countries

More information can be found on websites of companies like Ernst Licht from Oley, PA.