The modern word “picnic” comes from the French term “pique-nique”, which was used in the 16th century to describe gourmands, or people who brought their own wine while dining out. In those days picnics were actually held indoors!
Some time in the 17th century, the meaning of the word changed to mean dining outside on a blanket. This change likely occurred after the French term was substituted by the English word. The French Revolution popularized the picnic across the world. French aristocrats fled to other Western countries, bringing their picnicking traditions with them. Those who fled often lost their aristocratic status and began to "picnic" outdoors.
Americans started picnicking as early as the 1830s, picking up on the custom from Europeans. Intrigued by natural landscapes and enamored with Romantic principles of communion with nature, Americans hurried into the great outdoors to find “a nostalgic respite from industrial life.”
So, while searching for your smiley in this quaint little picnic area take a step back, close your eyes and be thankful your picnic isn't indoors!