Discordian calendar

Discordian Calendar

The Discordian Calendar is a unique and unconventional calendar system that was created by the Discordian Society, a humorous and satirical religious organization. It is based on the principles of chaos and discord, and is designed to subvert traditional notions of timekeeping. The calendar has gained a cult following and is often used by Discordians and individuals who appreciate its unconventional nature.

History

The Discordian Calendar was first introduced in the late 1950s by Greg Hill and Kerry Thornley, two founders of the Discordian Society. It was initially created as a parody of traditional calendar systems, aiming to highlight the absurdity and arbitrary nature of time measurement. The calendar gained popularity among counterculture movements in the 1960s and has since become a symbol of nonconformity and alternative thinking.

Structure

The Discordian Calendar consists of five 73-day seasons, known as "Discord", "Confusion", "Bureaucracy", "Aftermath", and "The Hodge". Each season is further divided into five weeks, with each week consisting of five days. The remaining days, known as "St. Tib's Day", are considered outside the calendar and are celebrated as a special day of chaos and disorder.

Naming Convention

The days of the Discordian Calendar are named after various Discordian deities, fictional characters, and pop culture references. For example, the days of the week are named Sweetmorn, Boomtime, Pungenday, Prickle-Prickle, and Setting Orange. This unconventional naming convention adds an element of humor and randomness to the calendar.

Usage and Significance

The Discordian Calendar is primarily used by Discordians as a way to challenge traditional notions of time and to embrace chaos and unpredictability. It is often seen as a symbol of rebellion against societal norms and a rejection of rigid structures. Some individuals also use the Discordian Calendar as a personal timekeeping system, finding its unconventional nature to be a source of inspiration and creativity.

Influence

The Discordian Calendar has had a significant influence on various counterculture movements and has inspired the creation of other alternative calendar systems. It has been referenced in popular culture, including books, music, and films, further cementing its status as a symbol of nonconformity and subversion.

See Also

• Discordianism
• Counterculture
• Alternative Calendar Systems