As explained in an article from The Telegraph, the streets of Denmark are often adorned with cinnamon as part of a longstanding and intriguing tradition.
Upon reaching the age of 25 and remaining unmarried, it is customary for Danish friends and family to shower you with this aromatic spice.
This tradition is not taken lightly; they go all out, covering individuals from head to toe and even adding a splash of water to ensure the cinnamon sticks well.
In Denmark, being single on your 25th birthday grants people the social license to playfully pelt you with cinnamon.
According to a Danish man interviewed by The Telegraph, this tradition may have originated hundreds of years ago when spice salesmen traveled around and never settled down due to constant movement.
These salesmen often remained bachelors and were humorously referred to as “Pebersvends” or “Pepper Dudes.” A single woman, in turn, was playfully called a “Pebermø” or “pepper maiden.”
As they reach their 30th birthday, the cinnamon is upgraded to pepper, adding an extra touch of jest.
For a more mischievous touch, Danes sometimes include eggs in the mix because it supposedly “helps with adhesion.”
Contrary to appearances, being single at 25 is not a cause for judgment in Denmark. The average age for men to marry is 34 and a half, and for women, it’s 32.
Rather than a punishment, this tradition serves as a delightful excuse to play pranks and have fun with friends when they hit significant milestones in life. And, needless to say, it’s quite amusing for everyone involved.
