Dante Carrillo
The vegetarian diet has a rich and diverse history, with roots in ancient civilisations and religions. The earliest records of vegetarianism as a concept and practice are from ancient India, where it was encouraged by religions such as Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism. The idea of nonviolence toward animals, or ahimsa, was central to these religions, and influenced the development of vegetarianism. Ancient Greek civilisations in southern Italy and Greece also had similar dietary habits, with the Greek philosopher Pythagoras considered the father of ethical vegetarianism. In the modern era, the formation of the Vegetarian Society in the UK in 1847 popularised the term vegetarian, and the diet continues to evolve and gain popularity worldwide.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Earliest records of vegetarianism | 6th century BCE in India |
| Ancient religions that encouraged vegetarianism | Hinduism, Jainism, and some branches of Buddhism |
| Greek philosopher who promoted a largely vegetarian diet | Pythagoras |
| First written use of the term "vegetarian" | Early 19th century |
| Formation of the first vegetarian society | 1847 in England |
| Formation of the International Vegetarian Society | 1908 |
| Formation of the first vegan society | 1944 |
| Religious denominations that advocate a vegetarian diet | Seventh-day Adventists, Rastafari movement, Ananda Marga movement, Hare Krishnas |
| Famous vegetarians | Sylvester Graham, John Harvey Kellogg, Maximilian Bircher-Benner |
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What You'll Learn
Vegetarianism in Ancient Civilizations
Vegetarianism has a long history in ancient civilizations, with roots in Asia, particularly ancient India and Greece. The earliest records of vegetarianism as a widely practised concept are from ancient India, where it was encouraged by the Hindu and Jain religions. In Hinduism, the sacred texts known as the Vedas, dating back to between 1500 and 500 BCE, assert that all creatures share the same life force and thus merit equal care and compassion. The concept of the Guṇa, a central term in Hindu philosophy, categorised food into "vegetarian", "spicy", and "meaty", with Brahmins, the highest caste of priests, often adhering to vegetarian diets guided by the Sattva philosophy. In Jainism, the principle of nonviolence towards animals, or ahimsa, was established as early as the 9th century BCE by Lord Parshvanath, and may be even older.
In ancient Greece, the vegetarian diet was known as "abstinence from beings with a soul" in Ancient Greek. The philosopher Pythagoras, considered the father of ethical vegetarianism, wrote about the Orphic mysteries, a religious movement that promoted an aversion to eating meat. Followers of Pythagoras, who lived in the 6th century BCE, did not have to be vegetarians, but many were, and Pythagorean influence on vegetarianism continued until the 19th century. Other ancient Greek philosophers who advocated for vegetarianism include Empedocles, Plato, Hesiod, and Ovid.
In other ancient civilizations, vegetarianism was also practised to varying degrees. In ancient Egypt, evidence suggests that people mostly followed a vegetarian diet due to the difficulty of producing enough meat for the population. In ancient Japan, Emperor Temmu banned the consumption of livestock and wild animals in 675 AD, and for the next 1,200 years, the Japanese diet consisted mostly of rice, beans, and vegetables, with fish served occasionally. During the Meiji Restoration in the 19th century, Emperor Meiji cancelled the ancient ban on meat, and the Japanese diet began to include more animal products.
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Religious Influences
Vegetarianism has been influenced by various religious beliefs and practices throughout history. Here is a detailed look at some of these religious influences:
Hinduism and Jainism
Hinduism and Jainism, two ancient Indian religions, have significantly influenced vegetarianism. The concept of Ahimsa, or non-violence towards animals, is central to both faiths. Jainism, in particular, has a strict interpretation of Ahimsa, and its followers are known for their commitment to non-violence and vegetarianism.
In Hinduism, the Vedic period, which lasted until around 500 BCE, shaped early Indian dietary practices. The concept of Guṇa, a central term in Hindu philosophy, refers to the qualities or attributes of food. The three Guṇas—Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas—are associated with "vegetarian," "spicy," and "meaty" foods, respectively. Brahmins, the highest caste of Hindu priests, often adhered to vegetarian diets guided by the Sattva philosophy. Hindu scriptures, such as the Mahabharata and the Bhagavata Purana, emphasize non-violence and advocate a vegetarian diet.
Buddhism
Buddhism, another ancient Indian religion, has also played a significant role in the development of vegetarianism. The principle of non-violence towards animals is a fundamental aspect of Buddhist teachings. However, the interpretation of this principle regarding diet has been a matter of debate. While some Buddhists interpret it as strict vegetarianism, others argue that early Buddhists may have consumed meat under certain conditions.
The spread of Buddhism influenced vegetarianism in other parts of Asia, particularly in China and Japan. In China, Buddhist monks and nuns follow a vegetarian diet, and this tradition has influenced Chinese folk religions as well. In Japan, during the Nara period (710-794 CE), the influence of Buddhism led to the banning of livestock and the consumption of certain wild animals.
Taoism
Taoism, a Chinese religious tradition, also promotes vegetarianism among its followers, particularly monks and nuns. Taoist vegetarianism is similar to Chinese Buddhist vegetarianism, and adherents refrain from consuming meat, eggs, and milk, although some may include oysters in their diet.
Zoroastrianism
Zoroastrianism, an ancient Persian religion, has also been associated with vegetarianism. Followers of Ilm-e-Kshnoom, a school of Zoroastrian thought found in India, practice vegetarianism. There have been various theological statements supporting vegetarianism in Zoroastrianism's history, and it is believed that Zoroaster himself was a vegetarian.
Christianity
Within Christianity, several monastic groups, such as the Trappists, Benedictines, and Cistercians, have encouraged pescatarianism or vegetarianism for ascetic reasons. The Bible Christian Church, founded by Reverend William Cowherd in 1809, was a Christian vegetarian sect and a forerunner of the Vegetarian Society. Cowherd encouraged members to abstain from eating meat as a form of temperance.
Islam
Certain Islamic orders, particularly the Sufi tradition, are known for their vegetarian practices. The Rishi order in Kashmir, for example, has historically been described as abstaining from meat consumption. The Sri Lankan Sufi master Bawa Muhaiyaddeen founded the Bawa Muhaiyaddeen Fellowship of North America, which established vegetarianism as the norm for its followers.
These religious traditions have played a significant role in shaping vegetarianism and promoting the idea of non-violence towards animals, ethical consumption, and the welfare of all creatures.
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The Modern Vegetarian Movement
Vegetarianism has a long history, with the earliest records of the concept and practice of vegetarianism among a significant number of people dating back to ancient India, particularly among Hindus and Jains. The idea of nonviolence toward animals, called ahimsa in India, was central to this practice. Later records indicate that small groups within ancient Greek civilizations in southern Italy and Greece also adopted similar dietary habits.
The modern western vegetarian movement, however, began to take shape in the 19th century. One of the earliest modern western vegetarians was Thomas Tryon (1634-1703), who wrote several popular books on the subject. Vegetarianism was also connected with the Christian temperance movement of the time. In 1802, Joseph Ritson authored "An Essay on Abstinence from Animal Food, as a Moral Duty", and in 1812, Martha Brotherton authored "Vegetable Cookery", the first vegetarian cookbook. The poet Percy Bysshe Shelley (1792-1822) was another prominent advocate of ethically motivated vegetarianism in the early 19th century.
The first Vegetarian Society of the modern western world was established in England in 1847 by Joseph Brotherton MP and James Simpson. This society still exists today. The term "vegetarian" was popularized with the foundation of this society, although it may have appeared in print before this date. The American Vegetarian Society, modelled after the British version, was founded in 1850 in New York City.
In the late 19th century, numerous vegetarian associations were founded in Germany, with the Order of the Golden Age gaining particular prominence. This trend toward vegetarianism before World War I has been interpreted as a reaction to the social upheavals caused by industrialization and globalization. The modern vegetarian movement also saw the involvement of figures like Elisabeth Förster-Nietzsche and her husband Bernhard Förster, who founded the utopian colony Nueva Germania in Paraguay in 1886.
At the turn of the 21st century, a paradigm shift occurred. Former prejudices that vegetarianism leads to malnutrition were replaced by scientific evidence showing that vegetarian nutrition reduces the risk of most contemporary diseases. Today, vegetarian nutrition has a growing international following and is increasingly accepted, driven by health concerns, ethical, ecological, and social issues.
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Variations of the Vegetarian Diet
There are several variations of the vegetarian diet, each with its own unique restrictions and considerations. Here are some of the most common types:
Lacto-ovo-vegetarian
The lacto-ovo-vegetarian diet is one of the most common and traditional variations. It involves excluding all animal-derived meats, such as beef, fish, chicken, and pork, while still consuming dairy products and eggs. This type of vegetarian diet includes animal products like milk, cheese, butter, yoghurt, eggs, and honey. People from religious backgrounds, such as Hinduism and Buddhism, may follow this diet.
Lacto-vegetarian
The lacto-vegetarian diet includes dairy products and plant-based foods but excludes eggs and all meats, including fish, chicken, and beef. This variation is common among followers of Jainism, Hinduism, and Buddhism. Dairy products such as milk, cheese, yoghurt, and ice cream are included in this diet.
Ovo-vegetarian
The ovo-vegetarian diet includes eggs but excludes all dairy products, meats, and fish. Those following this diet may consume eggs in various forms, such as scrambled, boiled, or as an ingredient in baking, while avoiding dairy and meat products.
Vegan
The vegan diet is the strictest form of vegetarianism, eliminating all animal products, including meat, fish, poultry, eggs, and dairy. Vegans also typically avoid other animal-derived products, such as honey, leather, and gelatin. This diet is often chosen for ethical reasons related to animal rights and environmental concerns.
Flexitarian
The flexitarian diet, also known as semi-vegetarian, is a mostly plant-based approach that occasionally includes small portions of meat, poultry, or seafood. People may adopt this diet to transition gradually to full vegetarianism or to balance their health, ethical, or environmental goals.
Other Variations
In addition to the main variations, there are other less common types of vegetarian diets. These include the pescetarian diet, which includes seafood; the pollotarian diet, which includes poultry; and the sattvic or yogic diet, which is plant-based and may include dairy and honey but excludes certain other foods like eggs, mushrooms, and alcoholic beverages.
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Health Benefits and Concerns
Vegetarianism has a long history, with the earliest records of the concept and practice among a significant number of people traced back to ancient India, especially among Hindus and Jains. The idea of nonviolence toward animals, called "ahimsa" in India, was central to this movement. Ancient Greek civilizations in southern Italy and Greece also had small groups that adopted similar dietary habits. The Greek philosopher Pythagoras is considered the father of ethical vegetarianism, and his influence persisted until the 19th century.
Vegetarian diets can offer an abundance of health benefits, reducing the risk of chronic illnesses and providing all the essential vitamins and minerals for a long and healthy life. Research suggests that a predominantly plant-based diet is linked to a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes. Studies have also shown that vegetarianism is associated with lower rates of illness and death from some degenerative diseases.
However, there are some nutritional concerns that should be considered when adopting a vegetarian diet. For instance, people following a vegetarian or vegan diet may be at risk of vitamin D and vitamin K deficiencies, both of which are essential for maintaining bone health. Lacto-ovo vegetarians typically meet their calcium requirements, but vegans often consume less than the recommended daily amount. Additionally, while vegetarians generally obtain sufficient protein, vegans may need slightly more protein per pound of body weight per day due to the different types of protein in plant-based sources.
Pregnant individuals, those who are breastfeeding, and children on a vegetarian diet should take special care to ensure they receive all the essential nutrients necessary for healthy growth and development. A well-planned vegetarian diet can meet nutritional needs during all stages of life, but certain nutrients like iron, calcium, zinc, vitamin B12, and vitamin D may require extra attention. Combining non-haem iron-containing foods with vitamin C-rich items like fruits and vegetables can enhance iron absorption.
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Frequently asked questions
Vegetarianism has been encouraged by various religions and cultures since ancient times. The earliest records of vegetarianism as a concept and practice amongst a significant number of people are from ancient India, especially among the Hindus, Jains, and Buddhists.
In ancient India, the concept of vegetarianism was closely connected to the idea of nonviolence toward animals, called "ahimsa." Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism, three of the oldest religions in the world, have promoted vegetarianism since their conception.
In the West, vegetarianism was promoted by the Ancient Greek philosopher Pythagoras around 500 BC. In the 19th century, the Reverend William Cowherd established the Bible Christian Church and preached the benefits of a "vegetable diet." The Vegetarian Society was formed in the UK in 1847, popularizing the term "vegetarian."
In China, people have been eating tofu and following a predominantly plant-based diet for over 2,000 years. In Japan, Emperor Tenmu banned the consumption of livestock and certain wild animals in 675 due to the influence of Buddhism. During the Nara period (710-794), the Japanese people, particularly Buddhist monks, followed a vegetarian-style diet, with rice, beans, and vegetables as staples.
