International Pipe Smoking Day - Feb 20th
Pipe smoking isn't a nasty habit, as some rabid anti-smokers would have everyone think. It is a sub-culture with its own story to tell. International Pipe Smoking Day is celebrated around the world, every year on February 20th, to honor the heritage of pipe smoking. [In 2015, the Netherlands officially recognized pipe smoking as a part of their national heritage.]
The International Comité of Pipe smokers Clubs (CIPC) was founded back in 1971. This IPSD marks the 50th year since the creation of the CIPC. [The UPCA has been a member of CIPC since our founding in 2003.] Here is the CIPC official statement on why we celebrate pipe smoking.
STATEMENT
We, members of the CIPC, see a worldwide communion of pipe smokers that is bound together by a shared love for pipe-smoking, mutual respect and goodwill. We envision a society that respects the free choice and adult use of pipe tobacco. Our starting point is a world where governments act in good faith and integrity and have the political will and personal courage to express their values with the basic principle of personal freedom. This means that as a group we are united and strong in our beliefs, have understanding, patience, wisdom and enjoy the philosophical aspect of pipe-smoking. We seek to promote pipe smoking as part of a lifestyle that can be thoroughly enjoyable to adults.
MISSION We foster links across the globe in honor of friendship and to celebrate the fraternity of pipe-smokers across all borders.
PURPOSE On the special IPSD – once a year- pipe smokers around the world will celebrate the noble art of pipe smoking by using their own piece of art, a pipe made of briar or clay. We will put into practice old traditions of raising our pipes in toast to each other in unison and share a bowl together.
PHILOSOPHY Today’s hectic environment almost dictates that we run on full efficiency, have total involvement in our work, our families and in every aspect of what we do to survive and achieve in a world set at high speed. With ever changing values it is the intent that The International Pipe Smoking Day will allow us to step back and appreciate our rich historical value. For pipe-smokers and pipe-smoking everywhere the day will be emblematic of our shared values, history, traditions and aspirations.
The first IPSD was held in 2008 and is now celebrated in over 30 countries. Many pipe clubs take this opportunity to have a special meeting on this day each year. (Some to cheat and celebrate it on the weekend.) It is a good excuse to get together, but is can also be an opportunity to make your club known to others.
Work with your local tobacco shops to make IPSD known to their patrons. Many shops offer special sales on pipe products on IPSD. Ask them permission to post a sign about your club. Heck, if you feel outgoing, contact your local media about IPSD and your special meeting. They may get curious enough to send someone out to cover it.
The CIPC is asking all of its clubs to mark the occasion with photos of your activities. Cornelius C.N. Crans, president of CIPC, stated.
I would like to urge all of you to participate in the IPSD 2020 process by having (not only) your national members organize a chain of national events in your country but join our special “50 years” photo competition. This can vary from groups of pipe smoking people gathering at a well-known national spot to a very simple smoking evening at your local club and everything in between but ….. with your home-made sign: "CIPC 50 years".
Take some photos of your meeting and post them on your website and Facebook. Please also post them on the UPCA Facebook page. We will take your photos and forward them onto the CPIC for their competition.
So what if you can't meet that day? Well then, simply kick back and relax. Light up your pipe, and join the rest of the world in honoring the tradition of the pipe.