Chinese food, Song Circle, 'Religious', Warm Clothing.

What do these words and phrases have in common?

They're common to both Canada and the United States, but have different meanings depending on which side of the border you happen to be on. Trust me a bit on this, 'cause I've done a lot of traveling, and my hobby is observation. I'm sure there are many other countries that could be added, but I'll stick with what I know for sure.

"Dress warmly dear".....even in Chicago or Fargo, it ain't the same as Montreal!

Toronto has tons of Chinese restaurants, but if you want "hot and sour", "sweet and sour", or any number of sauces to taste even remotely familiar, don't go to (say) New York, Boston, or Hartford. Oh and don't be surprised to see "Shrimp Chips"(!!) placed on the table before you order. But it's still Chinese food, it's still yummy......it's just.....well, DIFFERENT.

'Religious'? In Toronto that could probably apply to a Catholic who hasn't been to confession in ten years, but thought it might be interesting to see the Pope pass by a few months ago. I'd think of a Protestant person who went once a year to sing Handel's Messiah as religious by Toronto's standards, and most of the Jewish folks I know are hardly Synagogue go-ers.

I'm probably being a bit facetious here, but basically it's true.

Almost every family I've ever stayed with in the States (no matter how overtly political) says table grace, and has a connection with a Church.......compared to that, Canadian folkies really MUST seem like a Godless lot.

The many song circles in Toronto relect these differences strongly. Some originate from political Activist sources (Camp Nyvelt, Highlander, Civil Rights movements, anti-nuke marches of 40 years ago, and women's rights issues. There are others (far more recent) that do have a strong "Trad" feel, but I don't feel the original poster is referring to those.

Because I've been (and probably continue to be) on "both sides of the Fence", having been a long time fan of trad, trad, trad, old time Country and Bluegrass music.....but also consider myself a "thinking" activist, a bit of balancing is neccessary. I follow the "when in Rome, do as the Romans do".....'cause without that attitude, I would have missed most of the music I loved.

I mean, can you imagine sitting around a fire (35 years ago) in Berryville, Va. at The Bill Monroe Festival, with many of my (Southern Baptist) heroes, and introducing a song by saying "here's one I picked up at the 'anti-Vietnam' demo last week in Toronto!!! Not a chance...when it comes to the music and musicians I love....majority rules!

Cheers

Rick