Tomorrow, February 20th is the annual event we have come to know as International Pipe Smoking Day (IPSD). I have heard mixed opinions about this day, and honestly I have gone back and forth over the years in terms of my level of excitement. But if you focus on the origins of the celebration, I think you will be glad to be amongst the brotherhood of briar when IPSD comes round.
IPSD was started in 2008 by a European internet community called the Smokers Forum and the date was chosen to commemorate the anniversary of the founding of the forum. It was then adopted by an organization that I still have trouble believing exists, the Comite International of Pipe Smoker Clubs (CIPC). The CIPC is a body representing over 30 countries. They seem to primarily be involved in organizing IPSD events and slow smoke competitions (including world championships), but I encourage you to visit their website linked above for more information.
The US branch of the CIPC is the United Pipe Clubs of America (UPCA). According to the UPCA, the reason for IPSD is an opportunity to show solidarity with pipe smokers around the world. Solidarity is the key word here and is defined as “unity or agreement of feeling or action, especially among individuals with a common interest; mutual support within a group.” In other words, it is a recognition of what we hold in common, and a sharing of our common actions.
Therefore IPSD is not a day to stock up on tobacco at the various online vendors hosting sales. Not that there is anything wrong with doing so. But we should not allow commercialization to ruin our day. It is likewise, not a day to make sure we are seen publicly enjoying our pipes. That is a pretty good idea to help spread goodwill, but we don’t need a special day for that. It is a day to reflect upon, revel in, and share our solidarity. Seek out and join your local pipe club (UPCA has a list). If you don’t have a local pipe club, consider talking to the folks at the closest pipe shop about starting one.
What if you don’t have a local pipe shop? The pipe has always been an object that brings people together for relaxation and good conversation. In this internet age we have the pleasure of meeting with people around the world from the comfort of our own home. Make a YouTube video, join an online form, use skype or voxer to reach out to a fellow brother of briar and enjoy the solidarity. We can smoke our pipes any day. Some smoke them every day. On IPSD, let no one smoke alone.
Happy IPSD everyone