37 Facts About Discordianism

What is Discordianism?

Discordianism is a modern, satirical religion that worships Eris, the Greek goddess of chaos and discord. It began in the late 1950s and has since grown into a unique subculture with its own set of beliefs, rituals, and humor.

1. Origins: Discordianism was founded by Greg Hill and Kerry Thornley in 1958. They wrote the "Principia Discordia," the religion's primary text.

2. Principia Discordia: This book is a mix of satire, philosophy, and religious text. It encourages followers to embrace chaos and question authority.

3. Eris: The central deity, Eris, is the goddess of chaos. She is often depicted as a mischievous figure who enjoys causing disorder.

4. Holy Days: Discordians celebrate several holy days, including Chaos Day on November 25th and St. Tib's Day, which occurs on February 29th.

5. Law of Fives: A key principle in Discordianism is the Law of Fives, which states that all things happen in fives or are divisible by or multiples of five.

6. Sacred Chao: The Sacred Chao is a symbol representing the balance between order and chaos. It features a yin-yang-like design with a golden apple and a pentagon.

Discordian Practices and Beliefs

Discordianism has a variety of unique practices and beliefs that set it apart from other religions. These practices often involve humor and absurdity.

7. Operation Mindfuck: This is a practice where Discordians spread confusion and chaos to challenge societal norms and provoke thought.

8. Pope Cards: Every Discordian is considered a pope. They often carry Pope Cards, which declare their papal status.

9. Greyface: Greyface is a mythical figure representing order and seriousness. Discordians reject Greyface's influence and embrace chaos.

10. Eristic and Aneristic: Discordians believe in two opposing forces: the Eristic (chaotic) and Aneristic (orderly). They strive to find balance between these forces.

11. Fnord: A term used to describe hidden messages or disinformation. Discordians believe that recognizing fnords can help them see through societal illusions.

12. Hodge-Podge Lodge: Discordians often gather in informal groups called Hodge-Podge Lodges to discuss their beliefs and engage in rituals.

Discordian Symbols and Icons

Symbols play a significant role in Discordianism, often carrying deep meanings and humorous undertones.

13. Golden Apple: The golden apple is a symbol of Eris. It represents chaos and is often inscribed with the word "Kallisti," meaning "to the prettiest one."

14. Pentagon: The pentagon symbolizes order and is often juxtaposed with the golden apple in the Sacred Chao symbol.

15. Chao Te Ching: A Discordian text that parodies the Tao Te Ching. It offers humorous and philosophical insights into the nature of chaos.

16. The Original Snub: A story in the Principia Discordia where Eris causes chaos by not inviting certain gods to a party, leading to the Trojan War.

17. The Curse of Greyface: A tale explaining how Greyface's influence brought about an era of order and seriousness, which Discordians seek to undo.

18. The Sacred Chao: A yin-yang-like symbol representing the balance between chaos and order. It features a golden apple and a pentagon.

Discordianism in Popular Culture

Discordianism has influenced various aspects of popular culture, from literature to music and beyond.

19. Illuminatus! Trilogy: A series of novels by Robert Shea and Robert Anton Wilson that incorporate Discordian themes and characters.

20. Robert Anton Wilson: An influential writer and Discordian who helped popularize the religion through his works.

21. RAW Day: Discordians celebrate Robert Anton Wilson Day on January 18th, honoring his contributions to the religion.

22. Church of the SubGenius: A parody religion influenced by Discordianism. It shares similar themes of satire and absurdity.

23. Discordian Music: Bands like The KLF and Negativland have incorporated Discordian themes and ideas into their music.

24. Discordian Art: Artists like R. Crumb and Paul Mavrides have created works inspired by Discordianism.

Discordian Rituals and Celebrations

Rituals in Discordianism are often humorous and unconventional, reflecting the religion's embrace of chaos.

25. Pentabarf: The five commandments of Discordianism, which are intentionally contradictory and humorous.

26. St. Tib's Day: A fictional holiday that occurs on February 29th. Discordians celebrate it with absurd and playful activities.

27. Chaos Day: Celebrated on November 25th, this day honors Eris and the principles of chaos.

28. Discordian Weddings: These ceremonies are often unconventional and humorous, reflecting the couple's unique personalities.

29. Erisian Mysteries: Rituals that explore the deeper philosophical aspects of Discordianism, often involving meditation and contemplation.

30. The Turkey Curse: A humorous ritual where Discordians chant "Gobble, gobble, gobble" to ward off seriousness and order.

Discordianism and Philosophy

Discordianism incorporates elements of philosophy, encouraging followers to question reality and embrace chaos.

31. Absurdism: Discordianism shares similarities with absurdist philosophy, which emphasizes the inherent meaninglessness of life.

32. Postmodernism: The religion's rejection of absolute truths and embrace of multiple perspectives aligns with postmodernist thought.

33. Zen Buddhism: Some Discordian practices, like meditation and contemplation, are influenced by Zen Buddhism.

34. Anarchism: Discordianism's rejection of authority and embrace of chaos align with anarchist principles.

35. Surrealism: The use of absurdity and humor in Discordianism is reminiscent of surrealist art and literature.

36. Existentialism: Discordianism encourages followers to create their own meaning in a chaotic world, similar to existentialist philosophy.

37. Relativism: The belief that truth is subjective and varies from person to person is a key aspect of Discordian thought.

The Final Word on Discordianism

Discordianism, with its quirky beliefs and playful nature, offers a unique perspective on chaos and order. It challenges conventional thinking, encouraging followers to embrace absurdity and humor. From its sacred texts like the Principia Discordia to its goddess Eris, Discordianism is a blend of satire and philosophy. Whether you're intrigued by its rituals or its mythology, there's no denying its impact on modern counterculture. So, next time you encounter a Discordian, remember, they might just be spreading a bit of chaos to make the world a more interesting place. Dive into the whimsical world of Discordianism, and you might find yourself questioning the very nature of reality.