What is 'The Toque'?

Ladies and Gentleman,

This evening, I will speak to you about something unknown to many and very familiar to some: The Toque.

Is it the name of "mon pere's" favourite band? Is it a special way of cooking your food? Is it a game played by Canadians to keep warm in the winter? No. It's none of these...and I am here today to unveil the mistery behind 'The Toque'.

The toque is a small, round, close-fitting hat that was worn back in the 12th and 13th centuries by women in France. These brimless hats made of many different materials started to become popular in France to both men and women during the 16th century.

The French Canadian voyageurs then travelled to present-day Quebec, Canada in the mid 1800's and spread the word of 'The Toque'. The first Canadian toques were warm, knitted winter hats worn in Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec.

Toques in Canada have evolved over the past 150 years to become items of not only function, but fashion as well. Toques are sold all across Canada under many well-known brands. And ladies and gentleman...this is where I have a bone to pick.

Yesterday I was passing through American Eagle and came across their 'Wall of Toques'...and I couldn't help but chuckle seeing an American retail superpower raking in the money off of a truly French-Canadian product. The toque is not just a product to sell, but a symbol of Canada's heritage. We even have a town named after the Toque! And how dare American Eagle reap the benefits of pulling at the national-pride heartstrings of every Canadian to make a pety cent.

Alas, I am off topic and this article is quickly losing it's educational prowess :p I would like to leave you all tonight with...."Come to Canada in January to explore the land of the toque."

Thank you and Good Night.