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Saturday, November 20, 2010
THE CANADIAN TOQUE
The Toque is a common word in Canada to name a versatile winter hat that can be crocheted or knit. It originated from the Coureurs de Bois- those early French and Metis fur traders. There can be pom poms on top or tassels and a modern version comes with braids. One colour or stripes with variety of colours can be seen. Your favourite hockey team's logo can be embossed on a toque. It keeps your head warm in the winter. Everyone has a toque or even two or three. If you are a crafty person, a toque is very easy to make. Since it is a name very unique to Canada, it is used in many sketches by comedians to make fun of Canadians. What would a good Canadian joke contain if a toque was not mentioned? Do you have a toque? Is there a joke about a toque you can share? Only in Canada, eh!
I'm not sure how many toques I have. But I have quite a few scattered around. I always keep one in my car so that if I ever need it while I'm out for the day, it's there. I have one I treasure, knitted for me by an elderly lady. I have a couple with Thinsulate material that always keep my head warm when I'm out for a wintry walk. And, for those few times when a toque is not enough, I dig out my beaver fur hat, complete with ear flaps. I bought it at a trappers fair years ago. Wearing that is like wearing a heater on your head.
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