Milly Gaines
Vegetarianism has been around for thousands of years, with the earliest records of the concept and practice of vegetarianism among a significant number of people being from ancient India, especially among Hindus and Jains. The diet was closely connected with the idea of nonviolence toward animals (called ahimsa in India). Later, small groups within ancient Greek civilizations in southern Italy and Greece also adopted similar dietary habits. In the 10th century, with the spread of Buddhism, vegetarian cuisine became popular in China. In the West, vegetarianism gained popularity in the 19th and 20th centuries, with the rise of humanitarianism and moral progress, and it continues to gain visibility today.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Earliest records of vegetarianism | Ancient India, among Hindus and Jains |
| Ancient Greek civilizations and vegetarianism | Small groups in southern Italy and Greece adopted similar dietary habits |
| Vegetarianism in the Roman Empire | Following the Christianization of the Roman Empire in late antiquity (4th–6th centuries), vegetarianism nearly disappeared from Europe |
| Vegetarianism in medieval Europe | Several orders of monks restricted or banned the consumption of meat for ascetic reasons but did not abstain from fish |
| Vegetarianism in Renaissance Europe | Became more widespread in the 19th and 20th centuries |
| Vegetarianism in Victorian England | Feminists and idealists were drawn to the morality arguments behind vegetarianism |
| Vegetarianism in China | During the Song dynasty, Buddhist cuisine became popular and led to the creation of meat analogues |
| Vegetarianism in modern times | Driven by health, ethical, ecologic, and social issues |
| Veganism | The term was coined in 1944 by Donald Watson, referring to a diet and lifestyle that exclude all animal products |
| Veganism in popular culture | Okja, a Netflix original film, is said to have encouraged people to eat less meat |
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What You'll Learn
Ancient roots: India, Greece, and the Mediterranean
Vegetarianism has deep roots in the ancient world, particularly in India, Greece, and the Mediterranean. In India, vegetarianism has been a prominent dietary practice since ancient times, especially among Hindus and Jains. The evolution of religions such as Buddhism, Jainism, and Hinduism about 2500 years ago promoted the idea of non-violence towards animals, known as "ahimsa" in India, which led to the widespread acceptance of vegetarianism. The Bhagavad Gita, a Hindu scripture, emphasizes that animals possess a soul, and therefore, consuming their flesh is not permitted. Brahmins, the priests of the highest caste, often adhered to vegetarian diets guided by the Sattva philosophy.
In ancient Greece, vegetarianism was also known and practised by specific philosophical and religious schools. The ancient Greek philosopher Pythagoras, best known for his mathematical theorem, is considered the father of vegetarianism. In ancient Greece, vegetarianism was called "abstinence from beings with a soul" and was connected to the idea of non-violence towards animals. The earliest reliable evidence for vegetarian theory and practice in Greece dates back to the 6th century BCE.
The Mediterranean diet, born along the Mediterranean coast, was initially quite simple, based on products that grew in the region, such as olives, grapes, and wheat. Meat was consumed infrequently and was generally reserved for special occasions such as religious festivals and weddings. This essentially vegetarian diet was followed by the Greek and Roman populations. The arrival of the Arabs in southern Italy in the 9th century introduced new ingredients and a focus on carbohydrates, particularly dried pasta. The discovery of the Americas further adjusted the Mediterranean diet with new meat and vegetable options.
Thus, vegetarianism has a long history in these ancient cultures, influenced by religious and philosophical beliefs, and has evolved over time with changing social and cultural contexts.
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Religion's role: Buddhism, Hinduism, and Christianity
Vegetarianism has been influenced by various religious beliefs and practices, including Buddhism, Hinduism, and Christianity. Each of these religions has contributed to the development and spread of vegetarianism in different ways.
Buddhism and Vegetarianism
In Buddhism, the views on vegetarianism vary between different schools of thought. The Mahayana schools generally recommend a vegetarian diet, claiming that Gautama Buddha stated in some of the sutras that his followers must not eat the flesh of any sentient being. However, there is also a divergence of views, with some Buddhists rejecting the requirement of vegetarianism.
The earliest surviving written accounts of Buddhism, the Edicts of King Ashoka, dated around 257 BCE, mention the prohibition of animal sacrifices and the king's commitment to vegetarianism. This suggests that Early Buddhism, at the very least for laypersons, had a vegetarian tradition.
In ancient India, where Buddhism originated, the principle of non-violence towards animals was established as early as the 6th century BCE. However, it is controversial whether Buddhism in its earliest stages advocated complete abstinence from meat consumption.
With the spread of Buddhism, vegetarian cuisine became popular in China. Records from the Song dynasty (10th century) indicate that monks consumed "vegetarian meat" made from tofu, imitating meat dishes to cater to pilgrims and patrons.
Today, a minority of Buddhist lay believers are year-long or lifelong vegetarians. Many follow monastic-style vegetarianism on specific religious days and occasions, adhering to a lunar calendar.
Hinduism and Vegetarianism
Hinduism, another ancient Indian religion, has also influenced the development of vegetarianism. Vegetarianism is considered a dietary ideal among many Hindus, based on the concept of ahimsa, or non-violence and compassion towards all beings. It is seen as ritually purer than a non-vegetarian diet and is associated with qualities like goodness, balance, and serenity, which are believed to promote spiritual progress.
Lacto-vegetarianism, which includes milk-based foods and excludes meat and eggs, is favoured by many Hindus. According to a 2021 Pew Research Center survey, 44% of Hindus identify as vegetarian, while an additional 39% restrict their consumption of meat in some way.
Christianity and Vegetarianism
Christianity has had a complex relationship with vegetarianism throughout its history. While it has not been a prevalent dietary choice among Christians, there is a long-standing tradition of vegetarianism within the faith.
The two main forms of Christian vegetarianism are spirituality-based and ethically based. Spiritual vegetarianism is adopted as an ascetic practice or to oppose gluttony, while ethical vegetarianism is chosen due to concerns for animal welfare and God's creation.
Some Christian groups, such as the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers), practice vegetarianism or veganism as a reflection of their commitment to non-violence. Early Christian historical documents suggest that some Jewish Christian groups believed Jesus himself was a vegetarian, and pescetarianism was widespread in the early Church.
Various Church leaders have promoted vegetarianism, including John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist Church, and William and Catherine Booth, founders of The Salvation Army. Christian anarchists like Leo Tolstoy and Ammon Hennacy have also extended Christian principles of compassion and nonviolence through a vegetarian lifestyle.
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Victorian values: morality, feminism, and health
Vegetarianism in the Victorian era was influenced by various factors, including morality, feminism, and health. The Victorian era, spanning from approximately 1820 to 1914, was a period of significant social and cultural change in Britain. It was marked by the rise of new values and ideals, which permeated different facets of Victorian life, including diet and nutrition.
Morality and Vegetarianism
Vegetarianism in the Victorian era was often associated with moral principles and social reform. The formation of the Vegetarian Society in 1847 by social reformers, philanthropists, and devout Christians reflected a desire to promote a meat-free diet as a moral choice. This aligned with the temperance movement, which advocated for abstinence from alcohol. Victorian moral values, influenced by religion and evangelical movements, played a role in shaping attitudes towards vegetarianism. However, vegetarianism also faced resistance from those who linked meat-eating to virility and racial strength, considering a vegetarian diet as a threat to stamina and force.
Feminism and Vegetarianism
The Victorian era witnessed a growing association between feminism and vegetarianism. The establishment of the Women's Vegetarian Union in 1895 by Alexandrine Veigele, a French woman living in London, exemplified this connection. Feminist writers such as Charlotte Perkins Gilman and Margaret Fuller advocated for vegetarianism as part of their vision for a transformed society. They believed that liberating women from domestic life and embracing vegetarianism would contribute to a more peaceful and just world. Frances Power Cobbe, a well-known feminist activist, also identified as a vegetarian, further strengthening the link between these movements.
Health and Vegetarianism
Health was another factor influencing the adoption of vegetarianism in the Victorian era. While some proponents of vegetarianism made controversial claims about its health benefits, arguing that it protected against diseases and promoted longevity, others, like Scottish physician George Cheyne, offered more nuanced perspectives. Cheyne, a vegetarian himself, authored "An Essay of Health and Long Life" in 1724, exploring the connection between diet and health. Italian physician Antonio Cocchi's book "Del vitto pitagorico per uso della medicina" (1743), translated as "The Pythagorean Diet, of Vegetables Only, Conduive to the Preservation of Health, and the Cure of Diseases" (1745), also contributed to the discourse on health and vegetarianism.
In conclusion, the Victorian era witnessed a growing interest in vegetarianism, influenced by a combination of moral, feminist, and health considerations. While vegetarianism faced resistance and was sometimes viewed as a fad, it attracted attention and sparked debates about diet, morality, and social reform during this period.
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Modern popularity: health, ethics, and the environment
Vegetarianism has gained popularity in recent years, with people adopting it for various reasons, including health, ethical, and environmental concerns.
Health
Vegetarian nutrition has gained a growing international following due to its health benefits. Scientific evidence has replaced former prejudices, showing that a vegetarian diet reduces the risk of most contemporary diseases. Vegetarianism is also associated with better physical health and positive feelings related to adopting a morally correct attitude.
Ethics
Ethical and moral concerns are significant factors influencing the adoption of vegetarianism. People are increasingly concerned about animal suffering due to factory farming and mass-production systems. Some individuals who become vegetarians for ethical reasons tend to have a stricter diet and a more intense aversion to meat. The concept of nonviolence toward animals (called ahimsa in India) has been central to vegetarianism since its early days in ancient India and Greek civilizations. The Greek philosopher Pythagoras, considered the father of ethical vegetarianism, promoted benevolence among all species. This idea was further developed by philosophers like Porphyry, who believed that consuming meat corrupts the body and leads to unhealthy outcomes.
Environment
Environmental consciousness has also played a crucial role in the modern popularity of vegetarianism. People are increasingly aware of the environmental impact of the meat industry and the need for sustainable nutrition. Vegetarianism is seen as a way to reduce one's carbon footprint and contribute to a more sustainable future.
Social and Religious Factors
In addition to health, ethical, and environmental concerns, social and religious factors have also influenced the modern popularity of vegetarianism. Social relationships and a sense of belonging to a community with shared values have motivated people to adopt vegetarianism. Additionally, religious and spiritual beliefs, such as the ideal of harmlessness (ahimsa) in Buddhism and the concept of compassion in the Bahá'í Faith, have contributed to the spread of vegetarianism.
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Future prospects: sustainability and animal welfare
Vegetarianism has been around for thousands of years, with the earliest records of the concept and practice among a significant number of people from ancient India, especially among Hindus and Jains. It was closely connected with the idea of nonviolence toward animals, or ahimsa. Later, small groups within ancient Greek civilizations in southern Italy and Greece also adopted similar dietary habits. The Greek philosopher Pythagoras is considered the father of ethical vegetarianism, and his way of life influenced vegetarian nutrition until the 19th century.
The future of vegetarian nutrition looks promising, as more people are concerned about sustainability and animal welfare. Vegetarian nutrition has a growing international following and is increasingly accepted. This trend is driven by health, ethical, ecological, and social concerns. People are increasingly conscious of the environmental impact of their dietary choices and want to reduce their carbon footprint. The mass production of meat has led to a disregard for animal welfare, and consumers are becoming more aware of this, with some choosing to avoid meat altogether.
Vegetarianism and veganism are gaining popularity, especially among those who want to reduce animal suffering and prevent climate change. The spread of factory farming and environmental consciousness has made ethical vegetarianism popular in developed countries. People are also concerned about the health risks associated with meat consumption, such as preventable diseases.
The concept of veganism has evolved over the years, with the earliest concepts emerging in the 19th century when some Europeans began to object to eggs and dairy on ethical grounds. The term vegan was coined in 1944 by Donald Watson, who wanted to find a concise way to describe "non-dairy vegetarians." Veganism is defined as a philosophy and way of living that seeks to exclude, as far as possible, all forms of exploitation of and cruelty to animals for food, clothing, or any other purpose.
The visibility of vegetarianism and veganism has increased in recent years, with more people adopting these diets and lifestyles. This trend is likely to continue, as people become more aware of the environmental, ethical, and health benefits of plant-based diets. The future of vegetarian nutrition is promising, as sustainable nutrition is crucial for the well-being of humankind. People are increasingly concerned about the impact of their dietary choices on the planet and animal welfare, and vegetarianism offers a way to address these concerns.
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Frequently asked questions
Vegetarianism first emerged in ancient India, among Hindus and Jains. It was also adopted by small groups in ancient Greece in the 5th and 6th centuries BCE.
Following the Christianization of the Roman Empire in the 4th to 6th centuries, vegetarianism all but disappeared from Europe. It continued to exist in India and re-emerged in Europe during the Renaissance.
Vegetarianism became popular in China with the spread of Buddhism. During the Song dynasty (10th century), monks consumed "vegetarian meat" made from tofu.
Vegetarianism became more popular in the West during the 19th and 20th centuries. The first vegan society was founded in 1944.
People adopt vegetarianism for ethical, ascetic, environmental, or nutritional reasons. Ethical vegetarians avoid meat due to the association with animal suffering. Others adopt vegetarianism to improve their health or reduce their environmental impact.
