This paper explores picnicking and how it varies across different countries. Although fancy outdoor dining dates back to the beginning of time, the tradition has evolved tremendously from a reserve of the noblemen to a universal activity which can be enjoyed by anyone (Matchar 2). Picnics are on the rise during the current COVID-19 pandemic. This trend is attributed to the idea that many conventional dining places such as restaurants lack adequate seating which can facilitate social distancing and other measures that have been suggested to prevent the spread of the virus pandemic. As a result, dining outside is perceived to be a safer alternative to conventional socialization approaches. This trend is exacerbated by the chilling weather, which seems to favor dining outdoor picnicking.
This topic is appropriate because the safety concerns associated with the COVID-19 pandemic limit of social interactions. People and restaurants are responding to this reality by opting for outdoor meals. In addition to promoting open space, picnics hold a tremendous potential of encouraging social distancing and facilitating the economic recovery of business enterprises from the effects of this scourge (Thunström et al. 2). However, this practice is not necessarily widespread during a pandemic because it is a longstanding tradition globally. Dinning outdoor has become a common aspect of social life and often represents an escape from routine (Lyon 43). It varies from country to country based on many factors, including food and length and elaborateness of the affair. In some countries, picnics include unique foods and activities like games to enhance their utility (Matchar 2). Overall, picnicking is a universal activity which pursued on different levels across countries and most popular during summer when temperatures and weather are most favorable.
Works Cited
Lyon, Phil. “British Picnics Come of Age: Food and Fashionability in the 1930s.” Journal of Gastronomy and Tourism vol. 3, no. 1, 2018, pp. 43-54.
Matchar, Emily. “Picnics become popular around the globe during pandemic.” Newsela, 2020, Web.
Thunström, Linda, et al. “The benefits and costs of using social distancing to flatten the curve for COVID-19.” Journal of Benefit-Cost Analysis, 2020, pp. 1-27.