• Origins of Vegetarianism
• Dark Times Strengthen Vegetarian Ideals
• Vegetarianism Gets Organised

DARK TIMES STRENGTHEN VEGETARIAN IDEALS

• The rise of early Christianity instigated ideas of the supremacy of human beings over all other living creatures, which obviously led to the widespread and common practice of animal slaughter. However, several splinter groups did form to follow and endorse the non-violent Pythagorean ideology but were often persecuted by the Church, who classed them as deviants.



• Indeed, in Mediaeval Europe, such ‘deviant’ behaviour was regarded as heresy thanks to the paranoia that was so prevalent during these dark times. Many vegetarians were burned at the stake for their so-called perpetration against the established Church but several did escape capture and subsequent execution ­ most notably St. David, Patron Saint of Wales!



• By the time of the Renaissance in Europe the consumption of meat had become synonymous with the status of wealth and power, in that only those with affluence and influence could afford to eat it. In addition, crops were ruined and food shortage was rife as famine and disease cut a swathe through the populace of Britain and Europe.



• Pythagorean influence began to reassert itself as a consequence of the scarcity of meat and the importation of new vegetables such as cauliflower and potatoes following the conquest of new lands. Vegetarian diets were prevalent amongst the peasantry simply due to the fact that meat was an unaffordable and expensive luxury. Nevertheless, the increased variety and growing availability of vegetables helped to stem skin diseases, which were widespread at the time, and had a beneficial effect on health in general.



• The 18th century brought the Enlightenment and a reappraisal of humankind’s alleged superiority over all sentient beings. Debates abounded concerning animals as intelligent, feeling creatures and there occurred a growing sentiment agreeing that their mistreatment was morally objectionable.



• Furthermore, vegetarian diets were being administered by many representatives of the medical profession as a cure for ailments in a number of instances, whilst the vegetarian movement itself was looking optimistically towards expansion thanks to the emergent recognition of animal welfare and the ever-increasing abundant availability of vegetables and grains.