The Deep Roots: From Ancient Philosophy to Early Abstinence
While 'vegan' is a modern term, avoiding animal products has ancient origins. Early examples come from cultures with religious and philosophical views promoting non-violence.
Ancient traditions in India, such as Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, practiced ahimsa, which influenced diet. Figures like Siddhārtha Gautama and Pythagoras advocated diets without animal products around 500 BCE. Pythagoras connected this to beliefs about the soul.
The 19th century saw a rise in the Western vegetarian movement, with some figures like Percy Bysshe Shelley and William Lambe promoting diets without eggs or dairy.
The Birth of the Modern Vegan Movement
The modern vegan movement was significantly shaped by the founding of The Vegan Society in 1944. Donald Watson and other non-dairy vegetarians felt the Vegetarian Society didn't address the full scope of animal exploitation, especially regarding dairy.
Coining the Term
During a meeting, they needed a new word. Donald Watson proposed "vegan," using the start and end of "vegetarian" to signify the movement's full scope. The term was adopted, and the first The Vegan News was published in November 1944.
The Evolution of the Definition
Initially, veganism was primarily a diet. Over time, the philosophy expanded to include all animal exploitation. Leslie Cross emphasized the need for a broader definition, advocating for the "emancipation of animals". The current definition, from 1988, describes veganism as a philosophy and lifestyle aiming to exclude all animal exploitation and cruelty.
The Rise of Mainstream Veganism
Veganism's popularity significantly grew in the 2010s due to factors like social media influence, greater awareness of health and environmental benefits, more accessible vegan products, and campaigns such as Veganuary.
Ancient Vegetarianism vs. Modern Veganism
| Feature | Ancient Vegetarianism | Modern Veganism |
|---|---|---|
| Core Philosophy | Often based on religious or philosophical beliefs. | Against all animal exploitation. |
| Dietary Scope | Main exclusion was meat; dairy/eggs varied. | Excludes all animal foods. |
| Non-Food Products | Not typically a focus. | Avoids animal products in goods (leather, wool). |
| Motivations | Religious, spiritual, health, animal justice. | Animal welfare, environment, health, social justice. |
| Societal Context | Niche practice. | Global movement. |
The Continuing Story
From its 1944 origin, veganism has become a global movement with diverse motivations but a core commitment to avoiding animal exploitation. Donald Watson's vision continues to influence efforts towards a more compassionate world. Find more history on {Link: The Vegan Society's website https://www.vegansociety.com/about-us/history}.
Conclusion The history of when being a vegan became a thing involves ancient philosophy, formal organization in the 20th century, and today's mainstream movement. This evolution from early plant-based diets to modern veganism shows shifts in views on animals, the environment, and health.
