Vegan Day is a celebration of vegetarianism. World Vegan Day is celebrated on November 1st. This holiday appeared in 1994, when the vegetarian society celebrated its 50th anniversary.
The word vegan was coined by the Englishman Donald Watson. He is the founding father of the Vegan Society.
The word vegan is derived from the English word "vegetarian", which translated into Russian means "vegetarian", i.e. a person adhering to a plant-based diet. This term has been used by members of the Vegan Society since 1944.
Ethical attitude towards the animal world
Many people have the misconception that vegetarianism is a Western fashion trend. This opinion is wrong. The very phenomenon of vegetarianism appeared in ancient times. The Greek philosopher Pythagoras can rightfully be attributed to the ancestor of all vegetarianism, he has not eaten meat since the age of 11.
In Russia, veganism originated and spread with the help of the Russian writer L. N. Tolstoy, thanks to whom a whole Tolstoy movement was created, which carried the idea of denying all food of animal origin. For Russian vegetarians, above all was the ethical attitude towards the animal world. This movement contributed to the fact that Watson in the future founded the unique worldwide Vegetarian Society, and also coined the very word vegan. In addition, Seraphim of Sarov and Sergius of Radonezh, numbered by the Orthodox Church, were vegans and preached a vegetarian lifestyle.
The specifics of vegetarianism
Veganism is a way of being that is characterized by an extreme desire for vegetarianism. People who are part of the vegan community eat exclusively plant-based products, i.e. there are no animal ingredients in their diet. Vegetarians exclude from their diet not only meat and fish products, but absolutely all food of animal origin: milk, honey, eggs, etc. Vegans cannot afford to wear leather, wool, fur and silk clothing. The main reason for refusing animal food and clothing from animals is unwillingness to become an accomplice in the murder of a living creature.
It is believed that the vegan diet excludes vital elements from the diet. At this stage, world scientists have confirmed and proved the fact that the vegetarian way of nutrition gives the human body, with proper nutrition, all the elements necessary for its normal functioning. The Association of American and Canadian Dietitians in 2003 reaffirmed the fact that good vegan food can be suitable for people of all ages, including babies.
