'World Vegan Day originated in England in 1994, when vegan animal rights activist Louise Wallis was looking for a suitable setting to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Vegan Society. As President of the Vegan Society, her aim was not only to emphasise the continued existence of a vegan association, but also to draw attention to the fact that the word ‘vegan’ had found its way into the English language.
Wallis set November 1 as the date, as it falls exactly between October 31, which is Halloween, and the Mexican Day of the Dead, which falls on November 2. Since November 1, 1994, World Vegan Day has thus provided a welcome occasion for vegans in all parts of the world to celebrate and further promote veganism with all its positive aspects.'
Source: Vegan Day Org
World Vegan Day first occurred on November 1st, 1994 as a way of commemorating the 50th anniversary of the UK Vegan Society and indeed the term “Vegan”. The Vegan Society was established in November of 1944; although the exact date was unknown. Of course, even though the term “vegan” and the Vegan Society were established at this point, obviously the idea of eating only foods that avoid the use of animal products has been around much longer.
In fact, it is estimated that veganism has probably been around for at least 2000 years, and the idea of vegetarianism (not eating meat) was perhaps around for even 500 years prior to that! That was when Greek philosopher and mathematician, Pythagoras of Samos, made it part of his life’s work to promote acting with benevolence and care for all species. Many followers of Buddhism are also promoters of vegetarianism and they do not believe in inflicting harm on other animals.
It wasn’t until 1806, however, that the concept of veganism as a lifestyle was really beginning to take shape. It was around this time that the objection to eating dairy and eggs for ethical reasons was first promoted to Europeans by Dr. William Lambe and Percy Bysshe Shelley.
It took more than 100 years or so, but finally, the vegan folks bonded together and created the UK Vegan Society. It was that same year that the term “vegan” was coined by Donald Watson, obviously derived from the word Vegetarian. At that time, the differentiation was that Vegans did not consume dairy products.
Later this definition extended to eggs and by 1951 veganism had become a movement of people who did not partake in the exploitation of animals of any sort. This included wearing furs, leather, or other animal products. The American Vegan Society followed along with its formation just a few years later, in 1960.
Then, in 1994, the President of the UK Vegan Society decided to elect the date of the 1st of November as World Vegan Day, which is now recognized as the date on which the Vegan Society was founded and on which Vegan Day would be observed. And it’s a great kickoff day as a start to World Vegan Month, which happens to be November.
Being kind to animals is one reason to celebrate World Vegan Day. Fewer animal products mean fewer greenhouse gasses, which means better earth for everyone. And it’s also better for the human body. It’s a win-win-win!
Source: Days of the Year
