How old is vegetarian?
The history of vegetarianism dates back thousands of years, with various cultures and philosophies adopting plant-based diets for different reasons. However, it wasn’t until the 19th century that the term “vegetarian” was coined and the concept began to gain widespread attention.
One of the earliest known references to vegetarianism can be traced back to ancient India around 700 BCE. The religious texts of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism all advocate for nonviolence towards animals and prescribe vegetarian or vegan diets as a way to achieve spiritual growth and liberation. These teachings were later spread throughout Asia by Buddhist monks and missionaries.
In ancient Greece, there were also some philosophers who believed in a form of vegetarianism. Pythagoras, famous for his mathematical discoveries, is said to have been a strict vegetarian due to his belief in reincarnation and the transmigration of souls. He argued that since humans share a common ancestry with animals, it would be morally wrong to harm them.
During the Renaissance period in Europe, vegetarianism gained popularity among certain groups such as Christians who abstained from meat on Fridays and members of the medical profession who believed that a plant-based diet could cure various illnesses. However, it remained largely a fringe movement until the 19th century.
In the United States, the modern vegetarian movement can be traced back to the early 1800s when Sylvester Graham, a Presbyterian minister, developed a dietary regime that emphasized whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and water. His followers, known as Grahamites, believed that this diet could prevent disease and promote moral purity.
It wasn’t until the late 19th and early 20th centuries that vegetarianism began to gain more mainstream acceptance. Influential figures like Benjamin Franklin, Henry David Thoreau, and Mahatma Gandhi publicly embraced vegetarianism, bringing attention to its ethical, environmental, and health benefits.
Today, vegetarianism has become increasingly popular worldwide, with millions of people choosing to adopt plant-based diets for various reasons. While some do so for ethical or environmental concerns, others are motivated by health benefits or simply a desire to try something new.
So, how old is vegetarianism? It depends on how you define it. If we consider the roots of vegetarianism in ancient Indian philosophy and religion, then it’s at least 2,500 years old. However, if we look at the modern vegetarian movement, which emphasizes ethical, environmental, and health concerns, then it’s only about 200 years old.
