International Picnic Day
Get ready to pack your baskets and spread your blankets as we celebrate International Picnic Day on June 18th.
Picnics have a magical way of turning even the simplest bites—like a cheese sandwich or a slice of watermelon—into flavorful bursts of cherished memories.
It's a day when families, friends, and communities get together to share meals, laugh, and relax in natural settings.
International Picnic Day is not to be confused with National Picnic Day, which is on April 23rd.
History of Picnic
Although there are no records about the exact origin of International Picnic Day, it is believed to date back to the end of the French Revolution and Victorian Era. Taking breaks to eat from hunting is often associated with picnics, dating back to the Middle Ages.
In the eighteenth century, the English began referring to outdoor meals as picnics.
The term “picnic” is borrowed from the French term “pique-nique” which means social gathering where people bring their own food and eat together in nature. It was like having a potluck outside in the open.
Picnics became popular across the globe during the French Revolution, as the French elite introduced this tradition to other countries.
It became more popular in France after the French Revolution in the 1800s and in England during the 20th century. This tradition likely made its way to America through British immigrants during the Victorian era.
A group called “The Picnic Society” was formed around 1802 and was known for their love of French culture and lavish gatherings with food, gambling, and entertainment.
During the Victorian era, picnics became luxurious affairs, as seen in Mrs. Beeton's menus with a variety of dishes for large gatherings.
Picnics also had political significance, like the Pan-European Picnic in 1989 which played a great role in reunifying Germany.
France also organized a huge picnic along the Méridienne pours for Bastille Day in 2000 as a celebration.
How to Celebrate Picnic Day
The best way to celebrate picnic day is to pack your baskets and go on a picnic with your loved ones.
You can either prepare the food on your own or get takeout from your favorite restaurants and eat in a pleasant, sunny spot.
Make sure to include some popular picnic games like Frisbee, badminton, cricket or any board games.
On International Picnic Day, you can plan a special picnic for kids who might not have picnics often, the less fortunate ones who can only dream of picnics. You can get in touch with NGOs and help them organize a picnic for kids if you are too busy by donating your time and resources. It is sure to bring smiles on many innocent faces and bring warmth to your heart.
You might find National Picnic Day interesting.
