--- title: "from The Vegan, Autumn 1953 - IVU - International Vegetarian Union" description: "from The Vegan, Autumn 1953: : SOME IMPRESSIONS OF THE I.V.U. CONGRESS, 1953 Held at Sigtuna, Sweden by Muriel E." url: "https://ivu.org/international-vegetarian-union/resources/interviews/3843-congress-wvc53-vegan.html" date: "2026-11-06T00:15:54+00:00" language: "en-GB" --- # from The Vegan, Autumn 1953 ![from The Vegan, Autumn 1953](https://ivu.org/images/legacy/history/banners/congress-wvc53-vegan.png) | from *The Vegan,* Autumn 1953: SOME IMPRESSIONS OF THE I.V.U. CONGRESS, 1953 Held at Sigtuna, Sweden by Muriel E. Drake It is not possible in a short article to give a detailed account of the Congress, but I will endeavour to convey my impressions of this memorable occassion in a few words as possible. As this was the first I.V.U. Congress I had attended, I was not able to compare it with any previous ones, but the general atmosphere was most harmonious and the depth of understanding between the various races represented was remarkable. If this were only true of all the relationships between all the races, wars could not possibly continue. For the first time in its history the I.V.U. posesses a Constitution and Rules, which were drawn up and approved at the Congress. This should help considerably towards the smooth working of such a vast organisation, whose influence is extending farther and farther afield as more and more contacts are made. Where - you may ask - does veganism come into the picture? All those who have the vegan ideal at heart will be interested in the fact that the majority of speakers whose subject had a direct bearing on vegetarianism or the soil, stressed at some point in their lectures the great benefit to be derived from the intake of whole, natural foods which consist of fruits, nuts, vegetables and grains. These speakers came from widely distant places where climate and conditions are so different, one from another - a factor not without significance. Two items which received repeated attention were the question of whole, unspoiled foods and the proper care of the soil by means of composting, etc. Not unnaturally the point which was uppermost in some people's minds was how those who cut dairy produce out of their diet obtained sufficient protein, and the answer given by one speaker, was that when we feed on whole natural foods we do not need to bother much about protein - a handful or so of nuts per day being all that our bodies really need. Comparison was made with the frugivorous and herbivorous animals, amongst whom are the strongest as well as those with the greatest powers of endurance - all their needs being supplied from the vegetable kingdom. Another speaker went so far as to say, not only that vegetables and fruits were absolutely essential for health, but that we can leave out all other foods and be absolutely healthy. His view was that all our protein needs could be obtained from potatoes and salad - but food must be eaten as fresh as possible, and vegetables when being washed should be in contact with water as short a time as possible. There is one point which needs especial mention in connection with the Congress, and that is the grand way in which the vegan needs were supplied in difficult circumstances. In Sweden, dairy produce is used on a vast scale, and alternatives to dairy butter and milk almost impossible to obtain, so vegans were asked to take their own fats. Apart from this, we were looked after remarkably well, and our grateful thanks are due to the Swedish Vegetarian Society for supplying the material comforts and physical needs for the benefit of our well-being, in preparation for the mental, ethical and spiritual aspects which grew in intensity as the Congress proceeded. May the enrichment which we felt as a result of this united gathering be expressed in our endeavour to work even harder towards the emancipation of the creatures from exploitation, and so hasten the coming of universal peace and goodwill. --- A vegan dinner was arranged in London for Congress delegates on their way home from Sweden. This included Scott and Helen Nearing, from Maine, USA, as guest speakers. A note on this archive. The history section of this website is drawn from a body of legacy content originally compiled by John Davis, former manager of the International Vegetarian Union. It represents his curation of historical material, and in places includes passages written by him directly. Over the years, the IVU website has migrated between several different hosting servers. In the course of these migrations, a number of PDF files were unfortunately lost, and **some links to PDF documents may no longer function**. Where this is the case, we have chosen to leave the original link text in place, as it may itself carry information of historical value. - Hits: 962 ### Vegan Recipes - [![Kunde (A Kenyan Stew)](https://ivu.org/media/zoo/images/kunde--a-kenyan-stew--1777772568_84ae484833ee1067b7074def39dcd577.jpg "Kunde (A Kenyan Stew)")](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/item/kunde-a-kenyan-stew.html "Kunde (A Kenyan Stew)") #### [Kunde (A Kenyan Stew)](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/item/kunde-a-kenyan-stew.html "Kunde (A Kenyan Stew)") [Protein Rich](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/category/proteiin-rich.html) [Main course](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/category/main-course-for-lunch-and-dinner.html) [Kenya](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/category/kenya.html) [African](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/category/african.html) - #### [Algerian M'hajeb (Traditional Filled Pastry)](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/item/algerian-mhajeb-traditional-filled-pastry.html "Algerian M'hajeb (Traditional Filled Pastry)") [Algeria](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/category/algeria.html) [Protein Rich](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/category/proteiin-rich.html) [Baking](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/category/baking.html) [Main course](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/category/main-course-for-lunch-and-dinner.html) [African](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/category/african.html) - [![Curtido 2](https://ivu.org/media/zoo/images/curtido-2-1792701220_ff49815d93eea305c23c126a3239e1ab.jpg "Curtido 2")](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/item/curtido-2.html "Curtido 2") #### [Curtido 2](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/item/curtido-2.html "Curtido 2") [El Salvador](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/category/el-salvador.html) [salads](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/category/salads.html) [Starters & side dishes](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/category/snack-side-dishes.html) [Central America](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/category/central-america.html) ### VFA Blog - #### [In the Heart of the Himalayas, a Vegan Revolution Begins: Bhutan’s Pema Yoedling Monastery Becomes a Beacon of Compassion and Sustainability](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/blog-front-page/item/in-the-heart-of-the-himalayas-a-vegan-revolution-begins-bhutans-pema-yoedling-monastery-becomes-a-beacon-of-compassion-and-sustainability.html "In the Heart of the Himalayas, a Vegan Revolution Begins: Bhutan’s Pema Yoedling Monastery Becomes a Beacon of Compassion and Sustainability") - [Read more](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/blog-front-page/item/in-the-heart-of-the-himalayas-a-vegan-revolution-begins-bhutans-pema-yoedling-monastery-becomes-a-beacon-of-compassion-and-sustainability.html) ### Science - [ pdf ](https://ivu.org/international-vegetarian-union/resources/science/207-rapid-global-phaseout-of-animal-agriculture-has-the-potential-to-stabilize-greenhouse-gas-levels-for-30-years.html) [ Rapid global phaseout of animal agriculture has the potential to stabilize greenhouse gas levels for 30 years](https://ivu.org/international-vegetarian-union/resources/science/207-rapid-global-phaseout-of-animal-agriculture-has-the-potential-to-stabilize-greenhouse-gas-levels-for-30-years.html) Popular - [ pdf ](https://ivu.org/international-vegetarian-union/resources/science/206-animal-agriculture-and-climate-change-a-qualitative-holistic-note.html) [ Animal Agriculture and Climate change a Qualitative holistic note](https://ivu.org/international-vegetarian-union/resources/science/206-animal-agriculture-and-climate-change-a-qualitative-holistic-note.html) Popular - [ pdf ](https://ivu.org/international-vegetarian-union/resources/science/202-environmental-impact-of-two-plant-based-isocaloric-and-isoproteic-diets-the-vegan-diet-vs-the-mediterranean-diet.html) [ Environmental Impact of Two Plant Based Isocaloric and Isoproteic Diets The Vegan Diet vs the Mediterranean Diet](https://ivu.org/international-vegetarian-union/resources/science/202-environmental-impact-of-two-plant-based-isocaloric-and-isoproteic-diets-the-vegan-diet-vs-the-mediterranean-diet.html) Popular ### History [ ![Taiwan's climate legislation embraces plant based eating](https://ivu.org/joomlatools-files/docman-images/generated/0f49c89d1e7298bb9930789c8ed59d48.jpg) Taiwan's climate legislation embraces plant based eating ](https://ivu.org/international-vegetarian-union/resources/history/vegan-nutrition-history/283-taiwans-climate-legislation-embraces-plant-based-eating.html "Taiwan's climate legislation embraces plant based eating") [ ![Chinese Dietary Guidelines 2022 Guideline 4 Eat fish poultry eggs, and lean meat in moderation](https://ivu.org/joomlatools-files/docman-images/generated/6a9aeddfc689c1d0e3b9ccc3ab651bc5.jpg) Chinese Dietary Guidelines 2022 Guideline 4 Eat fish poultry eggs, and lean meat in moderation ](https://ivu.org/international-vegetarian-union/resources/history/vegan-nutrition-history/282-chinese-dietary-guidelines-2022-guideline-4-eat-fish-poultry-eggs-and-lean-meat-in-moderation.html "Chinese Dietary Guidelines 2022 Guideline 4 Eat fish poultry eggs, and lean meat in moderation") [ ![Reply to Proposal No 4748 (Agriculture and Water Conservancy Category No 297) of the Third Session of the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People´s Political Consultative Conference](https://ivu.org/joomlatools-files/docman-images/generated/e3796ae838835da0b6f6ea37bcf8bcb7.jpg) Reply to Proposal No 4748 (Agriculture and Water Conservancy Category No 297) of the Third Session of the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People´s Political Consultative Conference ](https://ivu.org/international-vegetarian-union/resources/history/vegan-nutrition-history/281-reply-to-proposal-no-4748-agriculture-and-water-conservancy-category-no-297-of-the-third-session-of-the-13th-national-committee-of-the-chinese-peoples-political-consultative-conference.html "Reply to Proposal No 4748 (Agriculture and Water Conservancy Category No 297) of the Third Session of the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People´s Political Consultative Conference") ### Download the Vegetarian Nutrition Booklet for Kids and Adolescents - [ pdf ](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/kids-booklet/117-vegetarian-nutrition-booklet-for-kids-and-adolescents.html) [ vegetarian-nutrition-booklet-for-kids-and-adolescents](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/kids-booklet/117-vegetarian-nutrition-booklet-for-kids-and-adolescents.html) Popular 7676 downloads - [ pdf ](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/kids-booklet/122-booklet-ivu-portugues-web.html) [ Booklet IVU portugues web](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/kids-booklet/122-booklet-ivu-portugues-web.html) Popular 7320 downloads - [ pdf ](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/kids-booklet/123-nutrition-guide-for-students-with-khmer-translation.html) [ Nutrition Guide for Students (with Khmer Translation)](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/kids-booklet/123-nutrition-guide-for-students-with-khmer-translation.html) Popular 6052 downloads - [ pdf ](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/kids-booklet/130-2023-05-03-18-17-13.html) [ ベジタリアン・ヴィーガン栄養ガイド](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/kids-booklet/130-2023-05-03-18-17-13.html) Popular 5524 downloads - [ pdf ](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/kids-booklet/124-vegetarian-nutritie-cartea-pentru-copii-si-adolescenti.html) [ BROȘURA DE NUTRIȚIE VEGETARIANĂ - Romanian](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/kids-booklet/124-vegetarian-nutritie-cartea-pentru-copii-si-adolescenti.html) Popular 5040 downloads - [ pdf ](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/kids-booklet/131-cartel-de-nutricion-vegetariana.html) [ CARTEL DE NUTRICIÓN VEGETARIANA](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/kids-booklet/131-cartel-de-nutricion-vegetariana.html) Popular 4558 downloads ### Nutrition - [ pdf ](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/294-what-are-the-best-sources-of-protein-introducing-the-bpi-score.html) [ What are the best sources of protein Introducing the BPI Score](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/294-what-are-the-best-sources-of-protein-introducing-the-bpi-score.html) Popular 603 downloads - [ pdf ](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/250-2024-the-omniveg-study-health-outcomes-of-shifting-from-a-traditional-to-a-vegan-mediterranean-diet-in-healthy-men-a-controlled-crossover-trial.html) [ 2024 The OMNIVEG STUDY Health outcomes of shifting from a traditional to a vegan Mediterranean diet in healthy men A controlled crossover trial](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/250-2024-the-omniveg-study-health-outcomes-of-shifting-from-a-traditional-to-a-vegan-mediterranean-diet-in-healthy-men-a-controlled-crossover-trial.html) Popular 2782 downloads - [ pdf ](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/205-plant-based-nutrition-exploring-health-benefits-for-atherosclerosis-chronic-diseases-and-metabolic-syndrome-a-comprehensive-review.html) [ Plant Based Nutrition Exploring Health Benefits for Atherosclerosis, Chronic Diseases, and Metabolic Syndrome—A Comprehensive Review](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/205-plant-based-nutrition-exploring-health-benefits-for-atherosclerosis-chronic-diseases-and-metabolic-syndrome-a-comprehensive-review.html) Popular 3834 downloads - [ pdf ](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/204-2024-plant-and-animal-fat-intake-and-overall-and-cardiovascular-disease-mortality-main-folder-all-cause-mortality.html) [ 2024 Plant and Animal Fat Intake and Overall and Cardiovascular Disease Mortality Main Folder All Cause Mortality](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/204-2024-plant-and-animal-fat-intake-and-overall-and-cardiovascular-disease-mortality-main-folder-all-cause-mortality.html) Popular 4052 downloads ![](https://ivu.org/media/yootheme/cache/02/adult-guide-029d8cad.png)### The International Vegetarian Union’s Vegan Nutrition Guide for Adults In 2 versions: - [For healthcare professionals](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutritional-guide/the-international-vegetarian-union-s-vegan-nutrition-guide-for-adults-healthcare-professionals.html) - [General Public Edition](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutritional-guide/guide-for-non-healthcare-professionals.html) [Get it now](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutritional-guide.html) ![](https://ivu.org/images/banners/booklet2.jpg)### Vegetarian Nutrition Booklet A Dietary Approach to Vegetarianism for Kids and Adolescents The intention of this booklet is present to kids and adolescents a healthy vegan diet [Read more](https://ivu.org/nutrition/vegetarian-nutrition-book-for-kids-and-adolescents.html) Vegan Nutrition ![](https://ivu.org/media/yootheme/cache/a6/logo_IVU_01_SLOGAN-a678b962.png) ### Presidents, Chair and Council - [IVU President and Chair of the International Council](https://ivu.org/ivu-chair.html) - [IVU Honorary President](https://ivu.org/ivu-honorary-president.html) - [International Council](https://ivu.org/international-council.html) ### Departments - [Fund-raising](https://ivu.org/fund-raising.html) - [Global Health](https://ivu.org/global-health-department.html) - [Medicine and Nutrition](https://ivu.org/nutrition/medicine-and-nutrition.html) - [Policy Initiatives](https://ivu.org/policies-initiatives.html) - [Articles](https://ivu.org/policies-initiatives/policies-iniciatives-articles.html) ### Regions - [Europe](https://ivu.org/europe-union.html) - [Latin America](https://ivu.org/latin-america.html) - [North America](https://ivu.org/north-america.html) - [Africa](https://ivu.org/africa-continent.html) - [Asia-Pacific](https://ivu.org/asia-pacific-region.html) - [Asia-South & India](https://ivu.org/asia-south-west.html) - [Asia-West & Middle East](https://ivu.org/asia-west-middle-east.html) - [Contacts](https://ivu.org/contact-ivu.html) ### Blogs - [Cynthia Schuck](https://ivu.org/cynthia-schuck.html) - [John Davis](https://ivu.org/john-davis.html) - [Marly Winckler](https://ivu.org/marly-winckler.html) - [Vegan Food Academy](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/blog-front-page.html) - [Login](https://ivu.org/login-2.html) | |---| ## Schema ```json {"@context":"https://schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://ivu.org/hv-congress-main-congress-wvc53-index.html?view=article&id=3843:congress-wvc53-vegan&catid=181","url":"https://ivu.org/hv-congress-main-congress-wvc53-index.html?view=article&id=3843:congress-wvc53-vegan&catid=181","name":"from The Vegan, Autumn 1953","inLanguage":"en","isPartOf":[{"@id":"https://ivu.org/history-of-ivu.html#archive"},{"@id":"https://ivu.org/hv-congress-main-congress-wvc53-index.html"}],"publisher":{"@id":"https://ivu.org/#organization"},"description":"from The Vegan, Autumn 1953: SOME IMPRESSIONS OF THE I.V.U. CONGRESS, 1953 Held at Sigtuna, Sweden by Muriel E. Drake It is not possible in a short article to give a detailed account of the Congress,…","about":{"@id":"https://ivu.org/history-of-ivu.html#wvc-1953"}}]} ``` ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://ivu.org" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "IVU", "item": "https://ivu.org/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Resources", "item": "https://ivu.org/international-vegetarian-union/resources.html" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "Interviews", "item": "https://ivu.org/international-vegetarian-union/resources/interviews.html" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 5, "name": "History of the Vegetarian Societies", "item": "https://ivu.org/international-vegetarian-union/resources/interviews.html" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 6, "name": "congress", "item": "https://ivu.org/international-vegetarian-union/resources/interviews.html" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 7, "name": "wvc53", "item": "https://ivu.org/international-vegetarian-union/resources/interviews.html" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 8, "name": "from The Vegan, Autumn 1953", "item": "https://ivu.org/international-vegetarian-union/resources/interviews/3843-congress-wvc53-vegan.html" } ] } ``` ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Article", "mainEntityOfPage": { "@type": "WebPage", "@id": "https://ivu.org/international-vegetarian-union/resources/interviews/3843-congress-wvc53-vegan.html" }, "headline": "from The Vegan, Autumn 1953", "description": "from The Vegan, Autumn 1953: : SOME IMPRESSIONS OF THE I.V.U. CONGRESS, 1953 Held at Sigtuna, Sweden by Muriel E.", "publisher": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "International Vegetarian Union", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://ivu.org/images/logos/logo-ivu-tranparent-background.png" } }, "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Alex Fernandes", "url": "https://ivu.org/international-council.html" }, "datePublished": "2026-06-30T23:45:46+00:00", "dateCreated": "2026-06-25T00:06:04+00:00", "dateModified": "2026-10-08T00:52:39+00:00" } ```