National Picnic Day is a holiday that falls on April 23rd and celebrates one of the most versatile and wholesome activities a person or a group of people can do outdoors. Although humans have been dining out in nature for the entire existence of the species, the modern picnic as we know it today actually started back during the 18th century.

This is definitely a holiday that many people are going to want to celebrate because there’s nothing finer than enjoying good food and good company, all while enjoying the splendors of nature.

The History of Picnics

Before we begin talking about the practice of picnicking, let’s first talk about the origins of the word “picnic.” The modern word picnic comes from the French term “pique-nique,” a term that was frequently used during the 16th century.

However, this term wasn’t used to describe lunch out on the lawn but was instead used to describe gourmands who brought their own wine while dining out. At some point during the 17th century, the meaning of this word transitioned from its original meaning to mean dining outside on a blanket.

This probably happened when the English word began to be used instead of pique-nique. Of course, as we said earlier, people have enjoyed eating outdoors for thousands of years. During the Middle Ages, royal hunts often would involve eating outdoors—as depicted in many of the murals and other artworks of the time.

These often started as formal affairs but could easily descend into debauchery depending on the amount of wine or mead consumed. The practice of picnics was picked up by the Victorians, who saw it not only as a form of dining that could be enjoyed by the wealthy but one that could be enjoyed by anyone.

Some of the meals that were prepared and served as picnic foods during the 19th century included roast ducks or chickens, meat pies, and plum puddings.

Observing National Picnic Day

If you want to celebrate this holiday, then all you have to do is go outside and enjoy your favorite food with friends and family outdoors. You can go the traditional route and spread a red and white checkered blanket in the park while you eat from a picnic basket, or you can simply pack a cooler of food and take it out into the backyard.

It all depends on what you like to do. Once you return to the house after your picnic, be sure to use the hashtag #NationalPicnicDay on your social media, Twitter or Facebook, to let everyone know you’re celebrating. And while you’re at it, be sure to include a photo, so everyone can see the spread that you prepared.