Last Sunday, November 11, was
Pepero Day in Korea. It's an unofficial holiday here (similar to Valentine's Day) and people give
Pepero sticks to one another. It's held on Nov. 11 because the date 11/11 resembles sticks of
Pepero. It's also kind of a big deal with displays set up in and outside of stores - see the photo below.
Pepero sticks are similar to the Japanese
Pocky sticks, basically a pretzel covered in chocolate, strawberry, or chocolate and almonds (my favourite!). A lot of students at school brought them to give to friends and teachers, so I've been eating a ton of them over the last week!
this is the display outside of a store near my apartment
I
just read on
Wikipedia that
Pepero Day was possibly started by girls who exchanged
Pepero sticks as gifts to wish one another to grow "as tall and slender as a
Pepero".
Pepero means thin like a stick. I'm not sure if it's true, but it doesn't surprise me in a country that is somewhat obsessed with being thin!
this is the display outside of a store near my apartment
1 comment:
HI CARRIE,
Interesting isn't it,how one day has different meanings in different countries? We celebrate our war heroes and Koreans celebrate sisterhood and thinness.
Have you noticed any other differences in holiday celebrations? Well I certainly loved the Pokey sticks Yoko introduced us to. Sounds like you got quite a few given to you on the 11th. If you love pretzels then you'll love them covered in chocolate or strawberry. Now I love almonds and would like to try those as well. Put some in my xmas stocking would you.? LOL
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