What is Discordianism? Discordianism is a modern, satirical religion that worships Eris, the Greek goddess of chaos and discord. It was founded in the late 1950s by Greg Hill and Kerry Thornley, who wrote the religion's primary text, the "Principia Discordia." This religion embraces absurdity, humor, and paradoxes, often challenging conventional beliefs and societal norms. Why is it important? Discordianism encourages creative thinking, questioning authority, and finding joy in chaos. It has influenced various subcultures, including the counterculture movement of the 1960s and internet culture today. Who practices it? Followers, known as Discordians, often engage in playful rituals and pranks, using humor to convey deeper philosophical ideas. Whether you're curious about its origins or its impact on modern culture, these 37 facts will give you a comprehensive look into the whimsical world of Discordianism.
What is Discordianism?
Discordianism is a modern, satirical religion centered around the worship of Eris, the Greek goddess of chaos and discord. It was founded in the late 1950s and has since grown into a unique and quirky subculture. Here are some fascinating facts about Discordianism.
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Founders: Discordianism was founded by Greg Hill and Kerry Wendell Thornley in 1958. They used the pseudonyms Malaclypse the Younger and Omar Khayyam Ravenhurst.
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Sacred Text: The primary text of Discordianism is the "Principia Discordia," a book that mixes humor, philosophy, and religious parody.
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Eris: Eris, the goddess of chaos, is the central deity of Discordianism. She is often depicted as a mischievous figure who enjoys causing confusion.
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Law of Fives: A core belief is the Law of Fives, which states that all things happen in fives, or are somehow directly or indirectly connected to the number five.
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Holy Days: Discordians celebrate five main holy days, known as the "Apostle Holydays," each dedicated to one of the five apostles of Eris.
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Golden Apple: The Golden Apple of Discord is a significant symbol. It represents the apple Eris used to start the Trojan War by inscribing "Kallisti" (to the fairest) on it.
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Pope Status: Every Discordian is considered a pope, granting them the authority to ordain others and perform religious ceremonies.
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Fnord: The word "fnord" is used to represent disinformation or irrelevant information that distracts people from the truth.
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Operation Mindfuck: This is a Discordian project aimed at spreading chaos and confusion to challenge societal norms and conventions.
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Chaoism: Discordians often practice Chaoism, a belief system that embraces chaos and randomness as fundamental aspects of life.
Discordian Practices and Beliefs
Discordianism is not just about worshiping Eris; it also involves unique practices and beliefs that set it apart from other religions.
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Pentabarf: The Pentabarf is a set of five commandments that Discordians are encouraged to follow, though they are often humorous and contradictory.
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Greyface: Greyface is a mythical figure representing order and seriousness, which Discordians oppose in favor of chaos and humor.
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Sacred Chao: The Sacred Chao is a symbol combining the yin-yang with a pentagon and an apple, representing the balance between order and chaos.
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Hodge and Podge: These are two opposing forces in Discordianism, with Hodge representing disorder and Podge representing order.
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Eristic and Aneristic: Discordians believe in two types of forces: Eristic (chaotic) and Aneristic (orderly), both of which are necessary for balance.
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Discordian Calendar: The Discordian calendar has five seasons, each with 73 days, making a year of 365 days. The seasons are Chaos, Discord, Confusion, Bureaucracy, and The Aftermath.
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Holy Name: Discordians often adopt humorous or absurd holy names to reflect their embrace of chaos and humor.
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Pranks: Pranks and practical jokes are common practices among Discordians, used to challenge societal norms and promote chaos.
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Creative Expression: Art, music, and writing are encouraged as forms of creative expression and chaos.
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Non-Dogmatic: Discordianism is non-dogmatic, meaning there are no strict rules or beliefs that followers must adhere to.
Influence and Cultural Impact
Discordianism has had a surprising influence on various aspects of culture, from literature to the internet.
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Illuminatus! Trilogy: The "Illuminatus! Trilogy" by Robert Shea and Robert Anton Wilson is heavily influenced by Discordianism and has helped spread its ideas.
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Hacker Culture: Elements of Discordianism, such as the use of "fnord," have been adopted by hacker culture and internet communities.
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Internet Memes: Discordian concepts and symbols often appear in internet memes and online communities.
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Counterculture: Discordianism has been embraced by various counterculture movements as a form of rebellion against mainstream society.
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Art and Music: Many artists and musicians have drawn inspiration from Discordianism, incorporating its themes of chaos and humor into their work.
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Philosophy: Discordianism has influenced philosophical discussions about the nature of order, chaos, and reality.
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Activism: Some activists use Discordian principles to challenge authority and promote social change through creative and chaotic means.
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Literary References: Discordianism is referenced in various works of literature, often as a symbol of chaos and rebellion.
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Pop Culture: Elements of Discordianism have appeared in movies, TV shows, and comic books, often as a form of satire or parody.
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Psychology: Some psychologists have explored the psychological aspects of Discordianism, particularly its emphasis on humor and chaos.
Modern Discordianism
Discordianism continues to evolve and adapt to modern times, with new practices and interpretations emerging.
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Online Communities: Discordianism has a strong presence online, with numerous forums, social media groups, and websites dedicated to its principles.
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Digital Art: Digital art and memes have become popular ways for Discordians to express their beliefs and spread chaos.
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Collaborative Projects: Discordians often collaborate on creative projects, such as writing, art, and music, to promote their ideas.
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DIY Religion: Discordianism encourages followers to create their own rituals, symbols, and practices, making it a highly personalized religion.
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Humor and Satire: Humor and satire remain central to Discordianism, with followers using these tools to challenge authority and promote chaos.
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Inclusivity: Discordianism is inclusive and open to people of all backgrounds, encouraging diversity and creativity.
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Continued Growth: Despite its satirical nature, Discordianism continues to grow and attract new followers who are drawn to its unique blend of chaos, humor, and philosophy.
The Quirky World of Discordianism
Discordianism, with its mix of humor, philosophy, and chaos, offers a unique perspective on life. It challenges conventional beliefs, encouraging followers to embrace uncertainty and absurdity. From the worship of Eris, the goddess of discord, to the playful rituals and pranks, Discordianism is anything but ordinary.
Its influence can be seen in pop culture, literature, and even politics. Whether you find it a profound spiritual path or just a fun parody, there's no denying its impact. Discordianism reminds us not to take life too seriously and to find joy in the unexpected.
So, next time you encounter chaos, remember the Discordian motto: "Hail Eris!" Embrace the chaos and let it inspire a new way of thinking.
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