PICNICS - Worldwide and Creative - E-Book

Roland W. Schulze

• Herausgeber: Books on Demand
• Kategorie: Lebensstil
• Sprache: Englisch
• Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2021

Seitenzahl: 211

Beschreibung

Who actually invented picnics: the English or the French? Neither of them, because the "ancient" Greeks already knew about picnics. The first descriptions of picnics were in the "Homer's Odyssey", about 800 years before Christ. Later, the Romans also adopted this leisure culture. The second great picnic boom actually took place about 200 years ago, during the reign of Queen Victoria of England, and also at almost the same time in France. The content: What is special about picnics, as compared to many other leisure activities, such as barbecues, travel breaks or a short camping trip? How does picnicking function? What kind of equipment and information is needed? Why is it so much fun to share games and delicious food in a group outdoors, and how can how can this be improved for a more enjoyable experience?

Leseprobe

The picnic is the most digestible version of the human urge for freedom!

From hunters and gatherers to Woodstock and the "pan-European picnic": A brief cultural history of the outdoor table and its revolutionary explosive power.

Table of Contents

Introduction

Preface by the Irish "Picnic Researcher" Greg McKinsley

Definition: What is actually a "picnic"?

2.1 Differentiation between meal breaks, barbecues and camping

2.2 What types of picnics are there?

2.2.1 The culinary picnic

2.2.2 The romantic picnic for two

2.2.3 The artist´s picnic

2.2.4 The spontaneous picnic

2.2.5 The motto picnic

2.2.6 The anti-cyclical picnic

A brief historical summary

3.1 Picnic with the Greeks

3.2 Picnic with the Romans

3.3 Picnics while farmin and hunting

3.4 Picnic in the 19th century

3.4.1 How do the English picnic nowadays?

3.4.2 The "other side" of picnics

3.4.3 Inventions related to picnics

3.4.4 How do you picnic in France?

"Picnics today"

4.1 The origin of the name

4.2 Cars, veteran cars and picnics

4.3 Picnic breaks boundaries in 1989

4.4 Citizens´ claims

4.5 A special picnic in Japan

Which food and drinks are suitable for picnics and which are not?

Links to recipes for delicious picnic food

Recipe suggestions for homemade food

7.1.1 Classic picnic dishes from the 50s and 60s

7.1.2 Rollo or Falafel

7.1.3 Wiener in "pretzel dough"

7.1.4 Mediterranean dips with pita bread

7.1.5 Delicious Gazpacho (cold Italian vegetable soup)

7.1.6 French tomato tarts

7.1.7 Two types of original British picnic sandwich rolls

7.1.8 An Asian picnic with Ikarimi salmon and more

7.1.9 Italian picnic - chicken drumsticks with sage and ciabatta

7.1.10 Fancy a spontaneous picnic - without any work? Here are a few tips

7.2 Best not for picnics - all this food is unsuitable

7.3 Drinks

7.3.1 Quick Drinks: refreshingly good

7.3.2 The absolute secret picnic drink tip: “ColdBrew”

Picnic Baskets, equipment, etc.

8.1 Picnic Baskets

8.2 Picnic bags, picnic backpacks and picnic trolleys

8.3 Picnic blankets

8.4 Picnic designer goods

8.5. Bicycles modified for picnics

8.6 Picnic bags as car equipment

8.7. Cooler bags and cooler boxes

8.8 Accessories for picnics

Suitable outdoor games for picnics

9.1 Games - without equipment

9.2 Games - with material, equipment/toys (examples)

9.3 Some outdoor games with instructions

9.3.1 Outdoor ring tossing game

9.3.2 Boccia or boules game

9.3.3 Outdoor giant Mikado

9.3.4 Viking chess (also called KUBB)

9.3.5 The velcro vest throwing-game

9.3.6 The frisbee throwing game

9.3.7 Feather ball or Badminton

9.3.8 Two-line stunt kite mat

9.3.9 Dice game "17+4" or PONTOON or Twenty One!

9.3.10 Bicycle rally

9.3.11 Disc golf

9.3.12 Question game: "Who am I?"

Occasions for a private picnic

10.1. Enjoying good company

10.2 Celebrate picnics on public holyday or special occasions

Occasions for picnics on the company premises

11.1 Brain-storming seminars

11.2 Team-building

11.3 Knowledge transfer or "presentation without electricity"

11.4 Getting to know colleagues in the company

Specific "picnic" characteristics compared to other activities

Very special picnics

13.1 Motto picnic parties and open-air event themes

13.2 ”Anti-cyclical” Picnics

What does one actually need in terms of "picnic equipment"

14.1 What can you use or take with you from the household?

14.2 Requirements for: Crockery, cutlery and glasses

14.3 Requirements for: containers, baskets, bags, suitcases

Buy professional equipment or rent as needed?

What do I do about "picnic interference factors"?

16.1 Map material for destination or route

16.2 Weight and volume of equipment

16.3 The weather

16.4 What can I do against animals

16.4.1 Dogs, sheep, cows

16.4.2 Wasps and bees

16.4.3 Bumble bees

16.4.4 Hornets

16.4.5 Horseflies

16.4.6 Mosquitoes

16.4.7 Blackfly or Monkey Fly

16.4.8 Ticks

16.4.9 Ants

Picnic in connection with other topics

17.1 Picnic in the visual arts

17.2 Picnic in films

17.3 Picnic in the german literature

17.4 Picnic with theatre and music (in Bremen)

17.4.1 "Summer in Lesmona"

17.4.2 "Shakespeare in the Park"

17.4.3 "Music and Light at Holler-See"

17.5 Picnic and health

17.6 Picnic-like events

17.6.1 Potluck or potluck dinner

17.6.2 Dîner en blanc (white picnic)

17.6.3 Steampunk picnic

17.6.4 Picnic in the Luisenpark 2017, Mannheim

17.6.5 Full moon picnic

17.6.6 Midnight shooting stars picnic

17.6.7 Transylvanian picnic

17.7 Picnic and world records

17.7.1 Massive picnic in Haga Park (Sweden)

17.7.2 Guinness Book of Records and other curiosities

Picnic Exhibition in Frankfurt/Main

Where can you find nice picnic spots

19.1 Where are picnics allowed and where not?

19.2 Where can you find picnic spots

19.3 We need a picnic app - international

Picnic-International and country-specific food tips

20.1 Argentinien (picnic)

20.2 Australia (picnic)

20.3 Austria (Picknick)

20.4 Belgium (pique-nique)

20.5 Brazil (piquenique)

20.6 Cementery Pinic Lunches – worldwide

20.7 Finland (piknikki)

20.8 France (pique-nique)

20.9 Germany (Picknick)

20.10 Great Britain (picnic)

20.11 Greece’s Picnics (πικνίκ)

20.12 Hong Kong

20.13 Iceland (picnic)

20.14 India

20.15 Irland (cuirm-chnuic, gaelic)

20.16 Italy picnic)

20.17 Japan

20.18 Kenya

20.19 Mexico

20.20 New Zealand (picnic)

20.21 Netherlands (Picknick

20.22 Portugal (piquenique)

20.23 Russia (пикник)

20.24 Scandinavia

20.25 Sweden (picknick)

20.26 Switzerland (Picknick)

20.27 South Korea

20.28 Spain (picnic)

20.29 South Africa

20.30 Türkey (pikmik)

20.31 Ukraine (and others)

20.32 United States

Bizarre picnics in many variations (a picture show)

Picture directory or image sources and copyrights

Introduction

I, the author Roland W. Schulze, have often been asked how I came up with the idea of writing such an extensively comprehensive book about "Picnics".

The answer is quite simple:

Actually, we both had the idea. We, that is, Roland W. Schulze and Jens Emigholz both residing in Bremen were working on a start-up consultation business regarding various matters on recreational activities. While doing some research we came up with the rather inspiring topic "Picnics". From that day on we realised that there were so many enjoyable aspects about picnics, most of which, being at that time for both of us rather unknown. As a result, we were completely caught up with all the information we gathered, and it was absolutely necessary to put our work on to paper.

We noticed that in recent years a real "renaissance of the picnic culture" had been revived. The start of this renaissance actually took place in 1989 at the "Pan-European Picnic" in Hungary. The fall of the German Wall and the subsequent German reunification caused a further nation-wide enthusiasm for „picnicking“. In the following years the picnic boom began to spread from the capital cities Munich, Berlin, Hamburg and Cologne throughout the entire country.

The "bacillus" and the enthusiasm for this recreational pleasure had then also embraced us. In 2016 we established our company "Picknick-Bremen" the only picnic basket rental company in Bremen (Status 11/2017).

We immediately decided to set-up a website and a shop on the WEB to promote the topic "picnic". I being an ex-journalist and texter, then wrote a short eBook consisting of 26 pages as a free download from the internet.

The title "Anleitung zum erfolgreichen Picknick" (Instructions for a successful picnic) appealed to many users and visitors to our site. Within the first 12 months we registered about 900 downloads of our little eBook.

The reactions to the first version of our little eBook were so successful, that I decided to publish an extended and more comprehensive version, a basic edition on "PICKNICKS", which was not yet available on the market.

So, this is how the idea for this book was launched.

We went one step ahead and decided to invest in the practical version of picnics.

Our company “Picknick-Bremen” now offers modern, stylish and authentic picnic wicker baskets, comfortable picnic rucksacks, filled with delicious food and refreshing drinks. We also offer complementary picnic accessories from our "Picnic World".

In addition to the basic equipment with a wicker basket or rucksack, we supplement the equipment with a special picnic blanket, a cooler bag with cooling batteries and an outdoor game. Further interesting accessories can be included via our ONLINE-Shop. Food and drinks are tasty and healthy, and because the food is packed in re-usable screw-top jars, there is no access rubbish: prevention is better than recycling!

A pre-advance order of 24-hours is necessary as only use fresh daily products. Our range of picnic equipment is provided not only for private persons in small groups, but also for companies, clubs and institutes.

The basket with the accessories is simply returned later. This eliminates any preparation at our customer's premises, as well as the subsequent post-processing, such as cleaning of the baskets, containers and the blanket - all this is part of the all-inclusive full-service of Picknick Bremen.

We would like to complement the first 26-page eBook with this fully comprehensive papier book reference manual which includes not only interesting information and tips but also can be used as a guide to organise your own picnic day. We hope that our readers will be inspired as much as we are. Have fun, leisure time is picnic time!

For further information about "Picknick-Bremen" please refer to our website: www.picknick-bremen.de

Jens Emigholz Publisher

Prof. Roland W. Schulze Author and Publisher

Copyright, contact address, photo sources, etc.

This paperback is under copyright and copyright protection. Content structure, texts, graphics and pictures may not be copied out without the written permission of the publishers and may not be used and exploited elsewhere without the written permission of the author.

This applies to all currently available analogue and digital media and information carriers, such as printed works, magazines, journals, books, radio and television contributions, Internet pages, apps, eBooks, blogs and video platforms, such as "YouTube" or similar sites on the Internet.

When publishing in the press, we ask you to send us a copy of the source and a source reference, as it has always been common practice with the press.

A list of the pictures, photos and graphics and their copywrite owners, used here, can be found on the last pages of the book. Here you will also find the internet addresses of the authors and producers of the pictures, photos and graphics.

The author responsible for the contents in terms of the press law is Prof. Roland W. Schulze, DIVA-Systems, Nansenstr. 29, 28217 Bremen."Picknick-Bremen" is a joint partnership-based project: Jens Emigholz GmbH, Jens Emigholz and DIVA-Systems, Prof. Roland W. Schulze in Bremen.

Main address: Prof. Roland W. Schulze, DIVA-Systems, Nansenstr. 29, 28217 Bremen germany

eMail: [email protected] – Internet: www.diva-systems.de .

This photograph shows a family having a nostalgic picnic in the 60s.The family car being ideal for picnics. The Citroen 2CV, also well-known in Germany as the "Ente" (engl. duck), was constructed allowing the seats to be removed by unscrewing the one wing screw. It was possible to use the seats as picnic furniture, a really great family event.

1. Preface by the Irish "Picnic Researcher" Greg McKinsley

I feel very honoured to be allowed to write a few introductory lines for this book. Originally, I was born in Ireland, I have been living in Germany for almost 60 years. As a cultural scientist I have been extremely involved with analysing how recreational time is being spent in Germany, Europe and the entire world

Greg McKinsley

Bicycle picnic with basket

Now at the age of 85, I feel a lot younger though as I am still very active (also with picnicking)!

Perhaps it is the cultural gap between Ireland and Germany that has, right from the beginning, made me very sensitive to how recreational activities differ between cultures, to observe and analyse their behaviours and activities theoretically.

Spending time outdoors with family, friends and acquaintances, enjoying a meal together with pleasant conversations or playing games is an ancient leisure activity known worldwide as a "picnic", regardless as to how this activity may be called otherwise.

Being a cultural scientist and sociologist, I actually wrote a book in 1956 about this cultural activity, entitled "

Why Picnic?

". And even at that time came to some rather interesting results.

A picnic, based on the Victorian original, results in the following effects. Participants of all ages benefit highly both physically and mentally because:

picnics relate to "activity", that usually involve an excursion and the change of location and atmosphere. This has a very calming effect, the overall situation serves a "deceleration", one has more personal space and a stress-free situation. The colour green serves as a soothing effect.

The get-together is a very communicative social gathering involving several persons.

enjoying a delicious meal together or joint sport activities create a social interdependence.

If you have not yet been to a picnic, then you should organise one as soon as possible, because picnicking is not only a fun event it is also proven to be healthy for all.

Enjoy reading and happy picnicking!

Yours, Greg McKinsley

Author's note:I had been searching for someone for quite some time, who had been involved with the recreational topic picnics. I was extremely delighted to find Greg McKinsley who we immediately asked to join us. Greg, who has not only done a lot of research on picnicking but he was also the perfect co-consulter who inspired us throughout our project. We hope that Greg will also be there in future to accompany us on this adventurous journey.

2. Definition: What is actually a "picnic"?

2.1 Differentiation between meal breaks, barbecues and camping

According to Wikipedia.com:

"A picnic is a communal meal eaten outdoors, from 2 to X persons. A picnic is almost always combined with an outing, a hike or a drive. “At home in the garden" would not be the place for a traditional picnic. Utensils frequently used in this context are the picnic baskets, the picnic blankets and the picnic ableware, although behind these terms there is not a defined necessity."

The classic willow picnic basket

An actual picnic backpack

A break is a really short interruption only for the purpose of taking a rest and having a snack or prepared meal during an outdoor hike, a bicycle or horse ride or an excursion by car.

Camping is always connected with "overnight stay away from home", living outside in a tent, caravan or camper, mostly in the middle of beautiful nature of the country side, at a lake or the seaside. These camping sites are mostly authorised because of the public facilities available.

At barbecues, the focus is always on the food. After the meal on the balcony, terrace or garden is over, people leave to go home again.

At a picnic, the food always consists of cold dishes and can be interrupted and resumed as often as desired.

Accessories: the Rolls-Royce picnic case. 15.000 US$

I will not go into detail as to the fact that picnics are often mistaken with barbeques. For example, picnic grills are already being offered on the market. These are small, easily transportable ball-type grills. It is free to barbeque at a picnic, should one wish do so. The main focus, however, should be that the participants communicate with each other. One actually does not require specific picnic equipment for picnics. I would like to refer you to chapter 14.1 further below, where you can choose suitable accessories from your household for your next picnic. Naturally, there are special picnic accessories, which may enhance the picnic and is quite an authentic pleasure.

There is a wide spectrum of special accessories which range from inexpensive baskets and suitcases containing plastic crockery and cutlery, to exquisite and elaborately manufactured wicker baskets or picnic suitcases made of precious wood, with genuine porcelain, crystal glasses, silver cutlery and food containers.

Nowadays, the picnic accessories also include a cooling facility, for example a cooler bag with frozen cooler batteries as well as an outdoor game.Thus, the price range for a basic picnic with a basket, crockery, cutlery, cooler bag, an outdoor game and blanket is approximately 40€ where as an exquisite picnic suitcase, for example as additional an additional luxury for the latest Rolls-Royce costs more than 15.000,00 Euro (as illustrated above).

Food originally had a different significance at picnics than at barbecues. Each participant attending the picnic brought a prepared cold meal and drinks. These meals were then shared by all participants.

The mere exchange of food and drink is the "legal petty larceny" and often becomes the main topic of the conversation, like "What have to brought with you? What recipe did you use?" and thus a key for communication between the participants. Consequently, picnics are a meeting place where everyone likes to play outdoor games, such as boccia, ball games, badminton or Viking chess, etc.

Classic Victorian picnic from the early 19th century

These picnic games are often kept very simple and can, therefore, be played by almost anyone. Younger or older persons, amateurs or professionals. The rules of the games are kept informal and easy, making the event full of fun and not at all boring.

I, as a Sociologist, have come to the following extended definition:

"Picnic is therefore a leisure activity that begins with the short excursion to a destination. Picnics are actually always related to activity and mobility. "

It is a compound event, the main aspect being to relax with pleasant company, at an outdoor location of your choice with a good atmosphere, enjoy delicious food that you all can share amongst yourselves and play interesting and entertaining games. Picnics support and encourage communication. Picnics have an advantage that the intensive communication involved only becomes apparent when the picnic is over....

Friends and acquaintances are invited and join you and your family on a hike or an excursion, usually to a defined destination.

Picnics can last for several hours. The meals are set out and it is possible to enjoy other activities during the picnic as well as take some breaks in between to have some food and drinks. A relaxed uncomplicated programme is often the case.

Actually, the whole procedure is still based on the principles of Queen Victoria, the early 19th century Queen of England. Guests are invited to a picnic at a chosen rather pleasant outdoor place, where food and drink is shared and it becomes an enjoyable time one spends together, not forgetting the possibility to exchange conversations which was at that time was necessary, without today´s media.

2.2 What types of picnics are there?

2.2.1 The culinary picnic

If there is anyone who thinks of hard-boiled eggs, meatballs and lukewarm beer from cans when thinking of a picnic, must have somehow not moved on since some point in the 70´s.

A picnic only with delicacies

Although, even a little pepped-up a 70´s-revival picnic can have its charm. Just consider the lovely, elaborately decorated picnic baskets and the huge selection of delicious culinary picnic recipes available all of which we have to thank for the recent boom in "finger food" scene. Even if the preparation may be a rather time-consuming, the picnic should be made convenient and easy to enjoy on site without the necessity of any extra utensils.

One last look at the weather forecast…packed with your delicious picnic basket you are ready to go out to relax and enjoy yourself under the clear blue skies. So, if really delicious but not exactly everyday food is served, then this is a mainly a culinary picnic and that will surely be a great and tasty experience.

2.2.2 The romantic picnic for two

For lovers: a moonlight picnic

Obviously, a romantic picnic has to take place somewhere at a quiet secluded area with a breathtaking view.

Alternatively, one could choose a location for example, with beautiful natural surroundings such as a botanical garden, at picturesque lake, at the North or Baltic Sea. An extravagant idea would be a romantic picnic to sail on a yacht, a ship, or an excursion in a vintage car.

The choice of a stylish picnic wicker basket must consist of some prepared known favourites.

One could also choose a few undiscovered specialities that are as yet to be tasted. The highlight of getting to know each other and being somewhat inquisitive is also the recipe of romance. Not forgetting the saying: "the way to a man´s heart is through his stomach".

It is necessary to have the perfect equipment to make your romantic picnic a success.

A cosy blanket, fluffy pillows, good music. Later in the evening it will be necessary to have some lanterns, torches or sheltered candle holders.

Should the picnic become a "midnight picnic", you will require to keep warm while watching out for the shooting stars.

A bottle of wine, or a sparkling champagne or even a hot punch adds to the perfect midnight picnic …is something missing? Perhaps "Mon Cherie" or truffle chocolates would be a good decision too. Well doesn’t that sound good?

2.2.3 The artist´s picnic

The annual classical musical concert of the Bremer Kammer-Philharmonie held at "Knoops Park" in Bremen is actually a picnic location where artists meet and picnic, therefore defined as the "artist´s picnic".

Artist picnic in

This location is ideal for musicians who have the opportunity to picnic in the park whilst listening to the live concerts on stage.

Visual artists have often organised a meeting, for example in the city of Darmstadt in Germany, where they invite various artists to present their works of art, with a "picnic-chat-flair".

2.2.4 The spontaneous picnic

Just another spontaneous picnic

On the spur of the moment and "out of the blue" you suddenly have the crazy spontaneous idea to have to picnic.

Like for instance ... you are starving after a day out, coincidently drive past a side road close to the airport runway, why not?

A perfect location for spontaneous picnic to satisfy your hunger.

My friend Dagmar told us: "After quick picnic shopping at Lidl in Paderborn, we took our blanket which we always have in the car, walked along a footpath through the fields leading to a meadow, with a breath-taking countryside view, an unforgettable spontaneous picnic. "

Author: Thank you Dagmar for your inspiring story about your spontaneous picnic….

2.2.5 The motto picnic

You can arrange a picnic by placing it under a specific motto or theme.

The wide spectrum of ideas ranges from the choice of country-specific food arrangements. Participants may also be requested to dress-up in costumes.

The medieval epoch is very popular, making a motto picnic a show-down for all.

Motto picnics are actually successful in a group although a couple could also arrange this event to surprise each other.

Here are just a few examples to inspire you. Please feel free to develop your own ideas.

Bavarian picnic

Choice of food and drinks: Bretzel, radish, obatzda (Bavarian cheese), , salad and Bavarian beer,

Dress code: Bavarian dirndl and leather trousers,

Music: "Hubert von Goisern und die Almkatzen"

Picnic for your dog´s birthday

Choice of food and drinks: red wine, various types of cheese and bread rolls or baguette

For the dog: doggie specialities, favourite toy, water bowl.

The "economic miracle" picnic 1955-1970

Food: Russian Eggs, Toast Hawaii, Käse-Igel (cheese hedgehog), "Tomaten-Fliegenpilze" (tomato toadstools), MaiTai, "Kalter-Hund" (cold dog), Kullerpfirsich (googly peach) and of course AhoiBrause or with other dishes and drinks from this time.

2.2.6 The anti-cyclical picnic

The visitor basket - here modified as an advent basket

It is a cliche that picnics are only held in the summer and outdoors. This is far from being the case. Picnics are individual and authentic when you picnic when everyone else is NOT doing so.

The "wow" effect is more than a great surprise when you show up at a friend´s house with an original picnic basket, fully equipped with crockery, cutlery and glasses, as well as delicious picnic food and drinks.

"Anti-cyclical" means that you do not meet the expectations of others and simply do something different than everyone expects.

For instance, this would mean perhaps you spontaneously decide to visit your grandmother, who is either living alone, or in an old-age home or having treatment in a hospital at that time. A perfect time to prepare her a picnic basket full of her favourite food or something for an afternoon tea. Its easily prepared and mostly not a problem to get some tea coffee or hot chocolate there. Uncomplicated and easy to make it an enjoyable memorable day!

There are more ideas for a counter-cyclical picnic described in the following chapters. This is the so-called "Visitors' Basket".

During the Christmas season, it will be an "Xmas Basket" containing all the seasonal delicacies.

Example: Contents for a Visitors' Basket

0,5l Jamaica rum to make a "grog" a tea with rum,

50g black tea leaves and 50g green tea leaves,

4 small filter bags with ground coffee powder, that makes one cup of brewed coffee each,

1 litre organic full cream milk with a portion for original cocoa powder, to make a hot chocolate drink for two.

Not an easy decision as to which of these 4 drinks would be a good idea.