11/11

I know, it's only November, why would I be thinking, or complaining, about Valentine's Day? Perhaps love is in the air. Maybe I have a surplus of heart shaped things, or a lot of red surrounding me. Nope, I was reminded by consumption, the purpose behind this "loving" holiday, much like Pepero Day in Korea. For those who don't know Peperoes are crispy pastry sticks dipped in, or filled with fruity or chocolaty goodness. The holiday begins with the Pepero Company not meeting their expected profits. So what would any other company do in this situation? Fold up shop and hit the road? Lower their prices? Neither, they decided to transform Peperoes into a holiday, cleverly titled Pepero Day. When is Pepero day you ask: it’s the only date you can make using Peperoes. November 11th. How interesting, when North Americans and Europeans are honouring veterans and soldiers responsible for establishing and maintaining our freedoms, Koreans celebrate, and gorge on, sweets. Whatever floats your boat, I suppose. The thing that gets under my skin about this is there's no facade over Pepero Day, it's like calling Victoria Day Molson Canadian and Cheap Fireworks at the Cottage Day. However, my co-teacher told me that most people are opposed to this holiday because they recognize it as a money-grab. Still though, being on the receiving end of this holiday was really nice. So a Happy Remembrance Day and Happy Pepero Day: be thankful for your freedom and rights, and celebrate that with a little treat.