World Vegan Day is celebrated with full enthusiasm among the vegan community every year on November 1. It is a day to mark the tradition of adopting an all green diet, without using dairy as well as animal products.
To celebrate the day, let us take you to the history and significance of this special day.
World Vegan Day History
World Vegan Day was first celebrated in the year 1994 on November 1, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the UK Vegan Society and to celebrate the term ‘vegan’. The Vegan Society came into being in the year 1944 in November.
Veganism is believed to be in the world for more than 2000 years, and vegetarianism has been there for even 500 years before veganism. Pythagoras, the famous Greek mathematician, and philosopher promoted the idea of being kind to species of all kinds. Buddhists are also of the idea to believe in vegetarianism and do not think of hurting any animal.
The idea of veganism truly came into being in the year 1806. Dr. William Lambe and Percy Bysshe Shelley began objecting to the use of dairy and eggs for ethical reasons during this time.
The UK Vegan Society took almost 100 years to establish and as a result bonded the vegan individuals. The term ’vegan’ was also coined by Donal Watson in the same year, as the word vegetarian. During that time the vegans did not eat any dairy products.
The definition was later on extended to eggs and in 1951 a movement started for veganism, in which the people took part to stop the exploitation of animals of any species. They banned wearing leather, furs, or any animal products. In 1960, the American Vegan Society was formed.
Finally, in the year 1994, November 1 was declared World Vegan Day, by the President of the UK Vegan Society.
World Vegan Day Significance
World Vegan Day is a reminder to know the health benefits of being vegan. It makes the world aware of the various advantages and disadvantages of a vegan lifestyle. To know the importance of being vegan, we have a list of benefits that you can gain while being vegan:
- A vegan diet is considered a balanced diet and is rich in nutrients that your body requires.
- If you’re struggling to lose weight, veganism can help in achieving your goal.
- Vegan people have less chance of suffering from any kind of cancer and other diseases.
- Vegan diets have proven to reduce your chances of heart diseases and lessen chances of heart attacks and strokes.
- A vegan diet benefits your skin as well and is a reason behind glowing skin.
- It can lighten your mood.
- A vegan diet controls your blood sugar levels and improves kidney function.
- Veganism has also been responsible for fighting Diabetes type 2.
- Most importantly, veganism fights for animal rights and thus saves their lives.
How To Celebrate World Vegan Day?
To promote this day, there are various campaigns that are held every year to aware the world of the importance and benefits of adopting a vegan lifestyle. Various organizations, especially PETA, and other local animals NGOs, mark this day to address the issue and encourage people to transform into vegans.
To celebrate the day, you can do the following:
- You can change yourself into a vegan if you can and adopt an all-vegan diet.
- You can engage yourself in knowing the benefits of the vegan diet.
- You can inform others also about going all green.
- You can visit an organic shop and eat locally produced food.
- Try a vegan recipe at home and invite your friends and family to enjoy it.
- Go to a restaurant and try out their vegan menu.
- Volunteer in vegan campaigns and raise awareness about the same.
Difference Between Vegan and Vegetarian
Often we see people getting confused about what exactly is the difference between the two when they both are not non-vegetarians. The difference is that vegans, apart from not eating any meat and animal products, also refrain from consuming dairy products, and eggs.
On the other hand, vegetarians might indulge in having dairy products or any other animal products. In other words, vegans are more environmentalists. They work towards making a safe environment for every living species in the world.
List of Some Famous Vegans
If you believe that all celebrities like eating meat and animal products, then let me break it to you, there are some, who actually are vegans and have been one for ages.
For instance, the handsome American actor, Zac Efron is one of the many celebrities who are vegans. He calls it a reason behind his good health and physique. Ariana Grande, the American singer’s love for animals is known to all. She is also a vegan and is proud to be one.
The famous series of “Game of Thrones” is not behind. The actor, Peter Dinklage has been a vegetarian for at least 15 years and recently changed into veganism.
Bollywood actress Sonam Kapoor was also quoted as saying that she had left meat 4 years ago and has now stopped consuming dairy and dairy products. Other Bollywood celebs include Radhika Madan, Lisa Haydon, and Kangana Ranaut.
Other famous names that have adopted the plant-based diets include: Bill Clinton, Benedict Cumberbatch, Jessica Chastain, Ellen Page, Beyonce, Natalie Portman, Liam Hemsworth, and Woody Harrelson
