A religion of chaos and whimsy centered around the worship of Eris, the Greek goddess of discord.
Origins and Foundational Principles
Discordianism, a complex belief system that marries elements of religion, philosophy, satire, and chaos theory, emerged in the late 1950s through the publication of its foundational text, the Principia Discordia. This movement, centered around the veneration of Eris, the Greek goddess of discord, has been variously interpreted as a serious faith, a philosophical framework, and an elaborate joke. The origins of Discordianism can be traced back to a bowling alley in Whittier, California, where Greg Hill (Malaclypse the Younger) and Kerry Wendell Thornley (Omar Khayyam Ravenhurst) allegedly experienced a shared vision of Eris. This encounter inspired them to create a new religion that would challenge conventional beliefs and social norms.
The Principia Discordia, first published in 1963, introduced the world to the chaotic and enigmatic teachings of Discordianism. This text lays the groundwork for a belief system that opposes conventional order and celebrates the unpredictable and the paradoxical. Discordianism draws heavily on absurdist and surrealist influences, mixing serious philosophical inquiries with blatant humor and satire. The book includes parables, jokes, and philosophical musings, all designed to challenge readers’ preconceptions and encourage creative thinking.
At the core of Discordian philosophy is the concept of chaos as a fundamental force in the universe. Discordians believe that order and disorder are artificial constructs imposed by human perception, and that true reality is inherently chaotic. This belief is encapsulated in the Discordian motto: “Hail Eris! All Hail Discordia!” The Principia Discordia outlines several core principles, notably the Aneristic (order) and Eristic (disorder) Principles, along with the notion that these concepts are illusions—mere human attempts to categorize the inherent chaos of the universe.
The Pantheon and Mythology
At the heart of Discordian mythology is the goddess Eris, known for her role in precipitating the Trojan War over a golden apple marked “To the Prettiest.” Discordians celebrate this act of divine mischief, interpreting it not as malice but as a fundamental challenge to the established order and a prompt to embrace the creative potential of chaos. Eris’s counterpart, Aneris, represents order and non-being, serving as a foil to Eris’s doctrine of discord and existence.
The Sacred Chao, a symbol representing the interplay between order and disorder, is another important aspect of Discordianism. Depicted as a circle divided into two teardrop-shaped sections, one white and one black, with a golden apple in the center, this symbol is a parody of the Taoist yin-yang symbol and serves as a visual representation of Discordian philosophy.
Core Concepts and Practices
One of the key concepts in Discordianism is the Law of Fives, which posits that all things happen in fives, or are divisible by or multiples of five, or are somehow directly or indirectly appropriate to five. This principle is intended to illustrate the tendency of people to find patterns and meaning in random events. The Law of Fives is intentionally arbitrary and serves to highlight the human tendency to find patterns and meaning where none may exist.
Discordianism lacks a formal structure or dogma, instead offering its adherents the freedom to interpret and practice its teachings as they see fit. One of its most famous tenets is that every person is a Pope of Discordianism, equipped with the authority to canonize saints and perform other religious acts. This democratization of religious authority underscores the movement’s commitment to individualism and the rejection of hierarchical structures.
An integral part of Discordian practice is Operation Mindfuck, a campaign aimed at undermining authoritarian institutions and spreading a healthy dose of skepticism and paranoia, particularly regarding the existence and influence of the Bavarian Illuminati. This operation encapsulates the Discordian approach to social and political activism, using humor and absurdity as tools to challenge the status quo. Discordians often engage in acts of creative mischief, which are intended to challenge social norms and promote critical thinking. These acts can range from harmless pranks to more elaborate hoaxes.
Calendar and Observances
The Discordian calendar, known as the Erisian calendar, is a unique aspect of the religion. It begins on January 1, 1166 BCE, which Discordians believe to be the date of the original Discordian revelation. The calendar consists of five seasons, each lasting 73 days: Chaos, Discord, Confusion, Bureaucracy, and The Aftermath. An extra day, St. Tib’s Day, is added every four years. Each season has its own unique character and is associated with different aspects of human experience and the natural world. Discordians often use this calendar to structure their celebrations and observances.
Discordian practices are eclectic and unstructured, reflecting the chaotic nature of the religion. There are no formal rituals or ceremonies, and adherents, who often refer to themselves as Discordians or Erisians, are encouraged to create their own traditions and rituals. Common activities include the celebration of absurd holidays, such as Saint Tib’s Day, which occurs on an imaginary date, and the observance of “mindfucks,” playful pranks or activities intended to challenge conventional thinking and promote awareness of the absurd.
Saints and Popes
Discordianism recognizes various classes of saints, with the second class being the only one that includes real people, such as Emperor Norton, a 19th-century San Francisco resident known for his eccentric claim to the imperial throne of the United States. These saints embody the Discordian virtues of living according to one’s own truth and challenging societal perceptions of reality.
As mentioned earlier, every Discordian is considered a Pope, with the authority to canonize saints and perform other religious acts. This concept further emphasizes the religion’s rejection of traditional hierarchies and its embrace of individual interpretation and authority.
Cultural Influence and Interpretations
Discordianism has had a notable influence on popular culture and other new religious movements. It has been associated with the countercultural movements of the 1960s and 1970s, particularly the hippie and psychedelic subcultures. The religion’s emphasis on humor, absurdity, and subversion has resonated with various artists, writers, and musicians.
One of the most famous cultural references to Discordianism is Robert Shea and Robert Anton Wilson’s “Illuminatus! Trilogy,” a series of science fiction novels that blend conspiracy theories, historical events, and Discordian philosophy into a complex and satirical narrative. British comic book writer Alan Moore has also explored Discordian ideas in his work, further spreading its influence in popular culture.
The relationship between Discordianism and conspiracy theories is another intriguing aspect of the religion. The Principia Discordia includes numerous references to secret societies, covert operations, and hidden agendas, often presented in a playful and exaggerated manner. This has led some observers to interpret Discordianism as a critique or parody of conspiracy thinking, highlighting the absurdity and paranoia that often accompany such beliefs.
Discordianism has also influenced various subcultures and movements, including the Church of the SubGenius, a parody religion founded in the 1970s that shares many similarities with Discordianism. The religion’s emphasis on chaos and individual interpretation has also resonated with some adherents of chaos magic, a postmodern magical practice that emphasizes belief as a tool for achieving desired outcomes.
Despite its satirical nature, Discordianism has attracted a diverse and dedicated following. Some adherents view it as a legitimate spiritual path, finding meaning and inspiration in its playful and irreverent approach to life. Others see it primarily as a humorous social commentary, a way to challenge authority and question the status quo. The flexible and inclusive nature of Discordianism allows for a wide range of interpretations and practices, making it a unique and enduring example of a modern, parody religion.
image via Owlcation
