Uniquely Canadian?

In his book and documentary “Souvenir of Canada“ Douglas Coupland attempts to explain to non-Canadians the things that are uniquely Canadian. Along the way he entertains Canadians with a trip down memory lane. He asks the questions, “What is it to be Canadian? What makes us who we are? Is it hockey? The wilderness? Or is it a series of things, of secret handshakes, that nobody really gets but us?”

Right now I live in Kuwait so returning Canada, my “home and native land” I was hit by a wave of nostalgia for all things uniquely Canada. From poutine to beaver tails, Terry Fox to Coaches Corner I was eager to soak in all the Canadian goodness before once again boarding an Air Canada plane out of the country.

Traveling brings you a sense of adventure coming home brings you a sense of peace. Enjoying the fresh air,green grass and Tim Horton’s has been good for my Canadian soul. All these simple pleasures now bring a sense of normalcy  back to this world traveller. As my friends from around the world return to their respective home towns I can’t help but wonder what simple joys are they too enjoying?

In talking to other Canadians I have come to realize there are variations on the “secret Canadian handshake.”  Sure all Canadians seem to naturally drop in the perfectly normal , “eh?” and understand that when you say tea, you mean hot tea and when you say you want an “Ex”  it is a beer and not someone you used to date. However “the secret handshake” seems to vary a bit in each region of Canada. When you get two women from Eastern Canada in room together their beautiful accents come alive. Soon you’ll hear someone from Western Canada ask them to explain what on earth they are talking about. Most everyone my age, who grew up in Ontario, Canada, can sing you the theme song to the Poka-a-Dot Door and tell you about the time they first saw the Blue Jays play at the Sky Dome or went skating on the Rideau Canal.

The music of a country is also piece of the “secret handshake”. Put on Home for a Rest, by Spirit of the West or the Hockey Song, By Stompin Tom Connors and more then likely a Canadian’s toes will start to move.  There are certain songs and artists that are known across the country. As a Kingstonian it thrills me to hear how the local Kingston band, the Tragically Hip, has gone from a regional secret to a national pride.

Whether it is the challenging job market, an increased love of travel or the growing use of technology more people are finding themselves residents of the world. It is interesting that in these new global villages secret handshakes between those of like cultures are still clearly apparent.

What makes you uniquely Canadian? What are the secret handshake items that exists in your culture?

“I come from downtown”
-Grace, too by the the Tragically Hip