World Vegan Day 2013 is upon us on this Friday, November 1.
The day was established in 1994 by the president and chair of the Vegan Society UK, Louise Wallis, to celebrate the lifestyle of veganism.
Wallis, speaking in 2011, said the creation was to mark the 50th anniversity of the society.
“We knew the Society had been founded in November 1944, but didn’t know the exact date, so I decided to go for the 1st November. Partly because I liked the idea of this date coinciding with Samhain/Halloween and the Day of the Dead – traditional times for feasting and celebration,” she said. “Both apt and auspicious.”
“And it’s thrilling for me now to see how the event has taken off worldwide,” she added.
Wallis says that the day provides a wealth of opportunities to raise awareness of veganism, with many events revolving around food e.g. inviting friends or family round for a spectacular vegan dinner, or organizing a free food tasting event in your local town.
What is Veganism?
Sometimes confused with vegetarianism, veganism is when a person doesn’t consume animal products, including diary (vegetarians often still eat dairy, while refraining from meat). The term initially meant “non-dairy vegetarian.”
People are often inspired to become a vegan as part of other lifestyle changes.
According to health professionals, vegans are at risk of not getting enough B12, which is found in animal products.
Supplements should be considered.
