Coffee Helps

In many countries throughout the world, November 11th is Remembrance Day, when everyone stops to remember the casualties of war. It is a solemn occasion, with parades, church services, and respectful silences.

In South Korea, on the other hand, November 11th is Pepero Day.

Pepero (빼빼로 – pronounced “peh-peh-doh”. My boss told me off for pronouncing it “pepper-oh” as it made me sound like “silly foreigner”!) is a popular Korean snack, a kind of biscuit or cookie, shaped like a stick and dipped in chocolate. Having a special Pepero Day could be likened to the UK deciding to make a particular day a nationally celebrated Creme Egg Day or Gummy Bear Day. I think it’s great.

Why on earth do children keep giving me chocolate?! I asked in bewilderment as I received my third box of Pepero, this time giftwrapped and tied with a ribbon. Ah, said Clare, appearing with her mouth full from behind a giant, sprinkle-covered Pepero, it’s Pepero Day!

On Pepero Day, children give Pepero sticks to their teachers and special friends. Lovers exchange Pepero sticks and other gifts, a bit like on Valentine’s Day. Today, I received packs of Peperos, individual giant Peperos, giftwrapped Peperos, flavoured Peperos, mini Peperos, and luxury double chocolate Peperos. I have more Peperos than you could shake a Pepero stick at.

Some of the Pepero gifts my students brought me.

Giftwrapped Pepero

It has been a very chocolatey day. I feel a bit sick, but I can’t stop eating them. They’re sort of addictive in the manner of Pringles or M&Ms.

Pepero Day is held on November 11th because the date 11/11 looks like Pepero sticks standing side by side. Apparently it started when girls at a school in Busan started exchanging Peperos to wish each other to grow up to be “as tall and slender as a Pepero”.

What rubbish. I’ve probably gained several pounds today!