When did vegetarianism start?

Question

When did vegetarianism start?

Answer 1

This website explains all about the history of vegetarianism:

http://www.dfwnetmall.com/veg/historyveg...

"Although vegetarianism began many thousands of years ago with great minds like Pythagoras, Buddha, Plato, and Plutarch, it was not until the mid-1800s that it reached western civilization.

Vegetarianism can name the Reverend William Cowherd as its founder. Reverend Cowherd's offer of free vegetable soup in the industrial north of England supported the largely poor population there. He built a large congregation of members who vowed not to eat meat.

The word vegetarian is derived from the Latin vegetus which means whole, sound, fresh, lively. The first instance of its use was not found until 1842.

On September 30, 1847, a group in England had the inaugural meeting of the Vegetarian Society. This original group of 140 free-thinking individuals publicly supported meatless eating. Their publication, Vegetarian Messenger, urged people to live and let live."

Answer 2

Double Tree gives a good explanation from a western point of view.  The devised the name, but actually something that has been around for centuries.

To take it to another perspective, going from a biblical point of view - Adam and Eve were the very first.

It all depends upon perspective.

Answer 3

when the first hunter came home empty handed.