Discordianism

Discordianism is a modern, satirical religion, or parody religion, that worships Eris, the Greek goddess of chaos and discord. It was founded in 1959 by Malaclypse the Younger and Omar Khayyam Ravenhurst. The central tenets of Discordianism are based on the Book of Eris, a sacred text that is deliberately nonsensical and contradictory, filled with prophecies, jokes, and philosophical musings. Discordians embrace chaos, absurdity, and humor as fundamental aspects of existence.

The religion is characterized by its playful and often anarchic approach to spirituality. Discordians do not typically adhere to strict dogma or rituals, instead encouraging individual interpretation and the creation of personal experiences. This often involves pranks, creative expression, and a general subversion of societal norms. The sacred number in Discordianism is 5, and its multiples. Discordians often use the symbol of a golden apple with a bite taken out of it, representing the apple of discord.

Key figures in Discordianism include its founders and various writers and artists who have embraced its principles. The religion has influenced counter-culture movements and continues to be practiced by a diverse group of individuals who find meaning in its embrace of disorder and its rejection of rigid order. Discordianism is often described as a philosophical system or a means of understanding the world through a lens of playful subversion and a recognition of the inherent chaos in life.