Tag: Veganism origins

The modern term 'vegan' was coined in 1944, but the practice of abstaining from animal products can be traced back over 2,000 years to various cultures around the world. This historical perspective reveals that veganism is not a new trend, but a continuation of deep-seated philosophical, ethical, and spiritual traditions. Its roots are found in different societies and for a variety of reasons, long before the modern movement was formalized.

Originating in Jamaica in the 1930s, the Rastafari movement developed a dietary practice called 'Ital'. This unique tradition helps explain why are Rastas vegan, as it emphasizes living in harmony with the earth and keeping the body pure. The principles of Ital food are deeply intertwined with core Rastafari beliefs about health, spirituality, and resistance to the oppressive system known as Babylon.