What is a Cigar? Fast Facts

Definition

ci•gar n
a cylindrically shaped roll of dried and fermented tobacco leaves covered with a tobacco leaf used for smoking.

• The word “Cigar” has two origins: from the Spanish term “Cigarro” or “Cigarra”, referring to its cicada-like shape, and from the Mayans, whose word for smoking was “ Sikar”.

• Cigars consist of dried and fermented leaves from the tobacco plant

• Cigars may be lit and inhaled into the lungs or by simply swirling the smoke around the mouth.

• Cigar smoking is thought to have originated in Cuba, and brought to Spain by Christopher Columbus in the 15th century.

• Cigar smoking was once considered a pagan ritual, illegal in Spain, and punishable by imprisonment.

• In the 1840’s tobacco became Cuba's chief export (replacing coffee), becoming a status symbol in Europe.

• Before 1901 people were not permitted to smoke in public, until King
King Edward ascended the throne and proclaimed the famous words: "Gentlemen, you may smoke!"

• In France, dinner jackets or tuxedos are still referred to as "le smoking”,
Or smoking jacket, showing the profound influence of the cigar smoking habit.

• It was not until 1821 that Cuban cigars were born, when Spain granted permission to Cuba to manufacture cigars. In gratitude, the Cubans would gift the King of Spain with their finest cigars – the legendary Trinidad’s.

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