HOUSE OF DONISM
Rituals
Here are our rituals and holidays that remind us of our purpose as humans. They have spiritual purposes, connect us with Don, and utilitarian purposes, to help the community and environment. Below are example videos and explanations to demonstrate Donist responsibilities.
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Fasting
Fasting is done for ten days before the vernal equinox, or the start of spring, March 20th in the Northern Hemisphere. Since this includes New York City, the location of our religion’s foundation, we encourage all followers to celebrate during this time.
This is done to understand the suffering of those who are not part of our religion and to reflect on the devastating starvation that swept the land before Donism was established and widespread.
A light meal can be eaten before sunrise and after midnight and water may be consumed throughout the day.
Initiation Ceremony
Initiation is a simple process involving lighting a candle and reading an excerpt from The Works, our holy book. The process involves a Donist lighting a candle and the convert lighting his/her candle using the original one. This process represents how an individual is being enlightened by Don as the light passes on from a Donist to the convert.
People can become official members of the religion at 18 and conversions are welcomed, even encouraged, throughout life.
Despite the fact that one cannot be an official Donist until 18, the society also promotes teaching children the key morals of the faith. Children can officially join the religion at 18, non-members at anytime after 18 years of age, and anyone can join before death. The circumstances before death may result in adjustments in the ceremony because Don knows the true desire of individuals.
Day of Light
This major holiday is on May 5th and takes place at the end of fasting. We celebrate the blue orb and appreciate Don’s words upon the three founders. Many take pilgrimages to the site at our official headquarters in New York City. At night we simulate that day with shining lights.
The festival is formal and celebratory with much food. Non-pilgrims exchange gifts and share food with friends and family wherever they are. Donists also pray and do not work that day.
Rejuvenation Day
This is a weekly ritual based on one’s own personal schedule during which an individual spends most of the day helping the environment. Many choose to accomplish this ritual in groups, though it is largely a personal choice, and time to reflect on how important valuing one’s surroundings is.
Almsgiving
Our religion does not discriminate against non-Donists, rather followers choose to help those in need, absent of religion. Being that there are many people of other faiths or even no religion at all in the world, many suffer in the same conditions as before the formation of Donism.
Once a week, Donists give their extra resources and food to those who are impoverished; doing so, hoping to lead them on the right path.