Life is no picnic, but… by Luisa Zambrotta

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Édouard Manet – 1863 – Le déjeuner sur l’herbe

The word “picnic” comes from the French language, and it became popular pastime in France after the Revolution (1789,) when royal parks became open to the public for the first time.
The term derives from pique-nique, used to describe a group of people dining in a restaurant who brought their own wine. The concept of a picnic therefore had the connotation of a meal to which everyone contributed something.

Picnic may be based on the verb piquer which means ‘pick’ or ‘peck’ with the rhyming nique meaning “thing of little importance”, or on “pique un niche” meaning “pick a place”, an isolated spot where family or friends could enjoy a meal together.
During the Victorian Age picnics were ways for people to escape the restrictions of etiquette and formality and offered the rare opportunity for young men and women to spend time together in the open air. They could also be quite elaborate since a picnic for twenty people might feature cold salmon, lamb, veal, chicken, ham, pigeon pie, sandwiches, fruit, a selection of cheeses, and a variety of baked food!

The modern-day picnic is much less complicated. In fact, the phrase “it’s no picnic” is used to describe a difficult or unpleasant situation.

PS: Italy’s favourite picnic day is Easter Monday, called “Angel’s Monday” or Pasquetta (“Little Easter”).

11 respuestas a «Life is no picnic, but… by Luisa Zambrotta»

  1. Avatar de gabychops

    Thank you, dear Luisa, for your excellent essay on the origins of the word «picnic» and the beautiful illustration. As Easter is around the corner, it is also very apt!

    Joanna x

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    1. Avatar de luisa zambrotta

      Thank you so much, dearest Joanna!

      I am glad you liked my post and made that lovely addition

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      1. Avatar de gabychops

        Thank you, dearest Luisa, for the beautiful reply! As always, you are more than welcome!

        Joanna x

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  2. Avatar de richardbist

    A fascinating read, Luisa! I wasn’t aware of the history of the word and the pastime. A wonderful read, my friend. 🙂

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    1. Avatar de luisa zambrotta

      I’m glad you enjoyed this post, dear Richard

      Thank you so much for letting me know.

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  3. Avatar de Tina Opines

    Ah! Thoae French! Love ‘em!

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    1. Avatar de luisa zambrotta

      Thank you so much for your kind comment!

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  4. Avatar de robbiesinspiration

    This is interesting. Thanks, Luisa

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    1. Avatar de luisa zambrotta

      Happy to hear you enjoyed it. dear Robbie!

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  5. Avatar de Dave Astor

    I found your essay on picnics VERY interesting, Luisa!

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  6. Avatar de thomasstigwikman

    I did not know that. That was very interesting information. I learned something today.

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