CUSTOMS | First Church of Druwayu

OVERVIEW:

Adopted or specifically created customary observances in Druwayu are often based on proposals of what others suggest as considerations for inclusions as official for Druans and the overall Druish culture. They also have very specific and clear meanings behind them that give them their value and purpose for the most part as the whole point of them are to bring people together and express not just the core qualities of our tenets and teachings but also build that sense of value and reinforced bonds of the people. as such, some are unique in scope to Druwayu and others have been adopted and adapted from their general concepts rather than appropriated or hijacked from unrelated cultures. Regardless, all tend to include the following features which is unique to none.

Storytelling & Sacred Arts – Preserving wisdom through music, poetry, and oral traditions.
Meditation & Contemplation – Practicing silent self reflection and prayer for inner peace and guidance.
Philosophical, Ethical and Moral Teachings – Applying ancient and modern insights to a unified awareness of self and others.
Animal Symbols & Spiritual Connections – Finding inspiration and guidance through animal symbolism and traits.
Dream Interpretation & Visionary Experiences – Seeking meaning through subconscious messages.
Study and Research of diverse Languages, Legends and Folklore – Learning from sacred writings and historical traditions.
Respect for Nature/Universe – Outdoor gatherings and events, recognizing the value of all lives and natural custodianship.
Seasonal Gatherings – Observing holidays and festivals aligned with the changing seasons and environmental conditions
Pilgrimage & Sacred Journeys – Visiting spiritually significant locations for renewal of cultural bonds.
Ritual & Ceremony – Conducting spiritual rites to connect with spiritual forces and expressing goals or intentions.
Honoring Ancestors – Remembering and celebrating the lives of those who came before and gestures of thanks giving.
Divination & Guidance Seeking – Using various methods to receive spiritual insights or guidance through nature.
Sacred Symbols & Geometry – Using meaningful designs in spiritual practices to convey central concepts.
Music & Sacred Sound – Using sound as a means of spiritual connection.
Spiritual Discipline Through Dance and Movement – Incorporating dance and movement into spiritual expressions.

ADOPTION AND ADAPTATION OF CUSTOMS

Druwayu recognizes that culture is dynamic, shaped by logic, humor, and absurdity, and enriched by meaningful traditions. However, the adoption and adaptation of customs must be deliberate, respectful, and aligned with Druwayu’s principles. This rite ensures that new cultural elements are integrated with purpose, rather than blindly assumed or appropriated. This does not extend to basic concepts of customs shared across cultures such as honoring the memories of the departed, which are fairly universal, including, but not limited to using memorial stones and stone markers for recording events or marking the burial sites of the dead.

Guiding Principles

Authentic Connection Required – The Drusidu and Druans are not permitted to adopt customs from cultures with which they have no meaningful connection.
Compatibility with Druwayu – Any proposed custom must align with Logic, Humor, and Absurdity, reinforcing truth, ethical growth, and intellectual integrity.
Scrutiny and Evaluation – Customs must undergo rigorous examination, ensuring they do not contradict Druwayu’s core teachings or introduce dogmatic elements.
Voluntary Inclusion – No custom is forced upon the community—it must be accepted organically through discussion, trial, and refinement.

Proposal of Custom

A member or allied group presents a cultural practice, explaining its origin, significance, and relevance to Druwayu.
The proposal must include historical context, ensuring the practice is understood in its original form before adaptation.

The Trial of Integration

The custom undergoes a period of scrutiny, where members test its compatibility with Druwayu’s philosophy and make reasonable revisions that don't violate the underlining purpose of such rites and observances, laws or customs.
This includes debate, humor-based critique, and logical analysis, ensuring the practice enhances rather than distorts Druwayu’s teachings.

Rite of Adaptation

If the custom is deemed compatible, it is refined and adjusted to fit within Druwayu’s framework.
This adaptation ensures the practice retains its essence while aligning with Druwayu’s principles of truth, reason, and ethical activity. (for example, blood rituals are regarded as unnecessary, unsanitary and unethical).

Formal Recognition

The Drusidu and community acknowledge the custom’s inclusion, marking its official integration into Druwayu’s traditions.
The practice is documented, ensuring future generations understand its origins and purpose.

Once adopted, the custom becomes a recognized part of Druwayu, but remains subject to ongoing scrutiny and refinement. If a practice loses relevance or contradicts Druwayu’s evolving philosophy, it may be re-evaluated or removed. This ensures that tradition remains a living, evolving force, rather than a rigid, and stagnant unquestioned relic of the past.

HOLY MONDAY NIGHT FEAST

The Practices:

Hours of Observance: Every Mon-Tue: 6:PM -12: AM
Feasting & Bonding: Food and drink (e.g., pizza, beer, non-alcoholic options) honor peace and hospitality.
Reflection: Discussions explore Druwayu's foundations and the philosophic implications of its teachings.
Music: Heavy metal embodies rebellion against boredom and freedom from monotony.
Dance: Belly dancers and pole dancing celebrate the human body and wellness.
Hospitality: Shared meals emphasize abundance and compassion.

Historical and Cultural Context:

Holy Monday Night draws inspiration from the subversive spirit of 1980s punk and heavy metal subcultures, which championed authenticity and resistance against conformity. By blending these modern influences with ancient traditions of communal feasting, Druwayu creates a dynamic ritual that bridges past and present. The inclusion of humor and absurdity—hallmarks of Druwayu’s approach—helps dismantle artificial divides between the spiritual and physical, fostering genuine connections in a world often marked by division. The date and times are also specific to Druwayu as a tradition started by the founder.

Significance:

Inclusivity and Peace: By prohibiting hostility and welcoming all, Holy Monday Night embodies Druwayu’s commitment to universal dignity and harmony.
Cultivation of Resilience: Through music, dance, and shared laughter, participants build emotional and social strength, aligning with the Twenty-Six Guidelines’ emphasis on life’s inherent value.

FOUNDER'S DAY (January 10)

Overview:

Established in 2025, Founder’s Day commemorates the birth of Druwayu’s founder and serves as a profound celebration of forgiveness, liberation, and community harmony. Held annually on January 10 in association with the founder's birthday, this observance centers on releasing debts and grievances, promoting unity, and visualizing interconnectedness. It exemplifies Druwayu’s Commitment to One Another and Sanctity of Life, embodying the founder’s vision of a world free from condemnation, exclusion, or division. By blending solemn reflection with joyful celebration, Founder’s Day rejects punitive approaches to spiritual or cultural differences and embracing compassion.

Practices:

Debt Forgiveness: Participants absolve all monetary and emotional debts, releasing grudges and obligations. This act symbolizes liberation from burdens and promotes peace within and between communities. It reflects the founder’s rejection of condemnation for heresy or apostasy, ensuring that no one is judged for their beliefs or spiritual journey, and extends to dismantling prejudices like racism or ethnocentrism through mutual reconciliation.
Gift-Giving: Exchanging gifts—whether material, symbolic, or acts of kindness—expresses mutual appreciation and strengthens communal bonds. This practice underscores the founder’s call for unity over exclusion, celebrating diversity as a source of connection rather than division.
Candle-Lighting Ceremony:
- Participants light candles in a chain, each flame representing an individual life and its connection to others. Blessings are shared aloud, affirming gratitude and compassion, often including reflections on lessons from diverse traditions to honor the founder’s encouragement of open inquiry and rejection of punitive dogmatism.
- Written debts, grievances, or burdens—including those tied to ideological or cultural differences—are cast into a communal bonfire alongside the candles, symbolizing renewal, release, and transformation. This ritual embodies the founder’s teaching that “If you’re burning bridges over beliefs, you’re missing the point of the fire—light candles, not pyres,” emphasizing healing over judgment.
Zero Tolerance for Hostility:
- Any sources of conflict, including attempts to condemn others for their beliefs, backgrounds, or identities, are respectfully addressed and resolved to preserve the event’s sanctity. This practice aligns with the founder’s denouncement of exclusionary practices, ensuring a space of unconditional acceptance where all are valued, regardless of their spiritual or cultural path.

Historical and Cultural Context:

Founder’s Day reflects Druwayu’s innovative approach to spirituality, drawing on ancient rituals of renewal (e.g., debt jubilees) while embracing modern values of compassion and psychological freedom. The bonfire and candle-lighting draw from diverse cultural traditions, re-imagined to emphasize Druwayu’s vision of a world free from oppression and division. The date, January 10, anchors the observance in the founder’s legacy, serving as a touchstone for the tradition’s ongoing evolution.

Significance:

Honoring the Founder’s Vision: The day celebrates the founder’s commitment to community, liberation, and the Sanctity of Life, inspiring adherents to embody these values year-round.
Visualization of Interconnectedness: The candle-lighting and bonfire rituals make tangible the Twenty Points principle that “Nothing is meant to be perfect,” encouraging gratitude for life’s imperfections and connections.
Joyful Reflection: By combining solemn acts of forgiveness with festive gift-giving, Founder’s Day aligns with Druwayu’s use of humor and absurdity to navigate profound truths.
Commitment to Renewal: The release of debts and grievances fosters personal and collective healing, reinforcing Druwayu’s mission to create a more compassionate world.

Historical and Cultural Context:

Founder’s Day reflects Druwayu’s innovative approach to spirituality, drawing on ancient rituals of renewal (e.g., debt jubilees) while embracing modern values of inclusiveness, psychological freedom, and radical acceptance. The bonfire and candle-lighting draw from diverse cultural traditions, re-imagined to emphasize Druwayu’s vision of a world free from oppression, division, or punitive control. The founder’s rejection of condemnation echoes historical figures like Mahatma Gandhi, who championed non-violence, and the 1980s punk subculture’s defiance of authoritarianism, positioning Druwayu as a beacon of unity in a pluralistic era. The date, January 10, anchors the observance in the founder’s birthday (born 1973), serving as a touchstone for the tradition’s ongoing evolution and as a way to include others to truly celebrate his birthday with him and as a memorial.

Broader Context and Unifying Themes

Across these observances, Druwayu weaves a cohesive spiritual tapestry that prioritizes gratitude, autonomy, and interconnectedness. The Declaration of Faith grounds adherents in daily mindfulness, Holy Monday Night fosters communal joy and resilience, and Founder’s Day offers an annual renewal of purpose and harmony. Together, these practices reflect Druwayu’s rejection of dogma, hierarchy, and division, embracing instead a spirituality that is inclusive, dynamic, and deeply human.

Key Principles in Action:

Self and Mutual Sufficiency: Practitioners are empowered to connect with the divine and one another without intermediaries or external validation.
Sanctity of Life: Every observance affirms the inherent value of all beings, fostering peace and dignity.
Humor and Absurdity: By embracing levity, Druwayu transforms profound truths into accessible, joyful experiences.
Commitment to One Another: From daily affirmations to annual bonfires, Druwayu emphasizes relationships as the foundation of spiritual life.

Significance:

Honoring the Founder’s Vision: The day celebrates the founder’s commitment to community, liberation, and the Sanctity of Life, particularly their rejection of condemnation for heresy, apostasy, racism, or ethnocentrism. It inspires adherents to embody these values year-round by promoting empathy over punishment.
Visualization of Interconnectedness: The candle-lighting and bonfire rituals make tangible the Twenty Points principle that “Nothing is meant to be perfect,” encouraging gratitude for life’s imperfections and connections while embracing diverse identities and beliefs as integral to the human tapestry.
Joyful Reflection: By combining solemn acts of forgiveness with festive gift-giving, Founder’s Day aligns with Druwayu’s use of humor and absurdity to navigate profound truths, transforming potential conflicts into opportunities for growth and unity.
Commitment to Renewal: The release of debts and grievances, including those rooted in ideological or cultural divides, fosters personal and collective healing, reinforcing Druwayu’s mission to create a more compassionate world free from punitive exclusion.

BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION

Overview:

Birthday Celebrations in Druwayu are vibrant, communal observances that honor each individual’s life as a unique expression of the Sanctity of Life. Held annually on a person’s birth date, these celebrations affirm their worth, contributions, and interconnectedness within the Druan community. Rooted in gratitude and joy, they reflect Druwayu’s rejection of exclusion or judgment, ensuring every individual—regardless of background or beliefs—is celebrated with warmth, humor, and authenticity.

Practices:

Story-Sharing Circle: Friends, family, and community members gather to share stories about the celebrant’s impact, highlighting moments of kindness, growth, or humor. These stories, often infused with playful absurdity, reinforce the Twenty Points principle that “Nothing is meant to be perfect,” embracing the celebrant’s journey with all its quirks and triumphs.
Personalized Blessings: Participants offer blessings tailored to the celebrant’s aspirations, strengths, or challenges, spoken aloud or written on biodegradable paper. These blessings are later released into a small fire or stream, symbolizing the community’s support and the flow of life’s cycles.
Feast of Favorites: A communal meal features the celebrant’s favorite foods and drinks, shared generously to embody Commitment to One Another. Non-alcoholic options ensure inclusiveness, and the act of eating together fosters unity and abundance.
Gift of Presence: Instead of material gifts, community members offer acts of service, time, or creative expressions (e.g., songs, poems, or dances) to honor the celebrant. This practice reflects the founder’s call for authentic connection over transactional exchanges.
Inclusive Affirmation: The celebration concludes with a group affirmation: “Your life matters, your story strengthens us, and together we shine.” This statement, rooted in the Spiritual Gift of Truth, rejects any condemnation of the celebrant’s beliefs or identity, affirming their place in the community.

FUNERALS

Everything is considered within financial means of family, friends and the church as a whole. For the most part, we observe the requirement of burial within 24 hours, or as soon as possible. As ridiculous as it is, a funeral often costs thousands of dollars, often resulting in improper burials or inability to uphold the customs. For example, a true Druan burial is placement within a tomb that serves also as temple/shrine to honor the memory of the departed, and often having some sort of memorial carved in enduring materials such as stone. These may also be multi-family heralding back to ancient burial mounds. The most common steps are based in ancient customs as follows:

Step 1: Preparation of the Body or Space

The body is adorned with treasures like weapons or gold to honor status, or placed in a ceremonial setting such as a ship, pyre, or simple shroud.
The body is ritually washed and wrapped in a plain white shroud, emphasizing equality and humility in death.
Altars are set up in homes with offerings like food, flowers, incense, or personal items to welcome returning spirits.
Symbolic figures, such as vegetable-crafted animals (e.g., cucumber horses or eggplant cows), are prepared to serve as spiritual vessels for the deceased’s journey.
Graves are cleaned and decorated with flowers or candles to honor the deceased and prepare for their spiritual return or burial.

Step 2: Cremation or Fire-Based Rituals

The body is burned on a pyre, often adorned with warrior gear, signifying purification or passage to the afterlife.
The body is buried swiftly, often within 24 hours, in a simple wooden coffin or directly in the earth, reflecting respect for the natural return to dust.
Bonfires or floating lanterns are lit to guide spirits to or from the living world, marking the start or end of memorial periods.
Farewell fires, sometimes shaped into symbols, are ignited to send spirits back to the afterlife, concluding the ritual period.

Step 3: Construction of Memorials

Ashes are placed in a mound or barrow, often in a prominent location like a cliff, filled with treasures as a lasting tribute.
Simple gravestones are erected, often with minimal inscription, to mark the burial site and honor the deceased humbly.
Temporary altars are constructed in homes or public spaces with offerings like food, drinks, or candles to connect with returning spirits.
Memorial tablets or stones are cleaned or adorned during communal gatherings to maintain a connection with the deceased.

Step 4: Communal Mourning

The community gathers to express collective grief, circling a memorial site, visiting graves, or participating in public rituals.
Laments, songs, or prayers are performed, expressing sorrow, hopes for the deceased’s peace, or concerns for the community’s future.
Families observe a structured mourning period, such as seven days of intense grieving at home, with visitors offering condolences.
Public processions or cemetery visits occur, with candles, flowers, or prayers to honor the deceased.

Step 5: Delivery of Eulogies or Tributes

Oral tributes recount the deceased’s deeds or character, reinforcing their legacy through storytelling or communal reflection.
Prayers or memorial recitations are offered, often led by religious figures, to honor the deceased and seek their spiritual peace.
Community members share stories or updates about family events, connecting with the deceased during memorial gatherings.
Songs and dances are performed to celebrate the lives of the deceased, blending joy with remembrance in festive settings.

Step 6: Offering of Gifts

Treasures, such as gold or armor, are included in funerals or buried in memorials, symbolizing status and provision for the afterlife.
Food, drinks, incense, or personal items are placed on altars to nourish or comfort returning spirits.
Symbolic offerings, like crafted vegetable animals, facilitate the spirits’ journey to and from the living world.
Acts of charity, such as donations in memory of the deceased, are made to honor their legacy and support the community.

Step 7: Selection of Sacred Location

Funerals or memorials are held in meaningful places, such as the sea, cliffs, rivers, or dedicated burial grounds, symbolizing spiritual transition.
Fires or lanterns are lit in prominent locations, like hills or riverbanks, to guide spirits and mark sacred spaces.
Cemeteries or family graves are central to rituals, serving as focal points for burial and remembrance.
Home altars or public squares are used to create temporary sacred spaces for honoring the deceased.

Step 8: Community Participation

The community unites in building memorials, lighting fires, performing dances, or preparing burial sites, reflecting shared responsibility.
Dances, such as circular folk dances around a platform, are performed to welcome or honor spirits, often with music and festive attire.
Families and community members join in washing the body, cleaning graves, or making offerings, emphasizing collective respect.
Specific mourners, trained in ritual practices, assist with burial preparations, ensuring adherence to tradition.

Step 9: Festive Celebrations

Dances and music, often with drums or traditional instruments, celebrate the lives of the deceased and welcome their spirits.
Carnivals or public gatherings include food stalls, games, and performances, blending joy with mourning.
Fireworks or large bonfires mark the culmination of memorial periods, combining reverence with festivity.
Quiet gatherings in homes focus on prayer, reflection, and tearing garments as a sign of grief, maintaining a somber tone.
This observation may last for several days, especially if participants were close to the departed.

Step 10: Guiding Spirits or Ensuring Peace

Lanterns, candles, or fires are lit to guide spirits to visit the living or return to the afterlife during memorial periods.
Offerings or dances are performed to appease or honor spirits, ensuring their goodwill and peace.
Temporary altars or pathways, like vegetable figures or candle-lit routes, are created to facilitate the spirits’ journey, often dismantled afterward.
Prayers are recited regularly, such as daily or annually, to ensure the deceased’s soul finds rest and to honor their memory.

If Bodies are Lost

If for whatever reason a body is irretrievable or had to be, for example, cast into or was lost at sea, a votive object resembling the person to the best of the family, friends or commissioned sources are able to fulfill, often carved from materials such as wood or other natural product, it will be dressed in their best available clothing, burned on a votive pyre with flowers and written prayers to and for them by friends and family, along with the other content. When real treasures are not available, symbolic offerings are made instead as many hold the belief the hereafter is like this world in many ways, in part because it is interwoven with it. Thus, what happens here has an effect there as what happens there has an effect on here. This is also based in concepts of the dynamic and reciprocal. The ashes are then collected and placed in an urn and into said individual or family tombs.

Note: It is an old belief that the first person buried at a new or chosen cemetery location/relocation becomes the protector and keeper of the site, along with those immediately around them as attending helpers in protecting it and the rest buried or to be buried there, at least for a time. One should be mindful of this and as such, the customs hold that the said primary keeper/guardian should be given regular votive offerings as thanks and acknowledgement for their services. This may include tormenting those who have vandalized or otherwise destroyed and/or built over the cite without concern or care for the sanctity of such hallowed grounds till the location is renovated and restored by those who have engaged in such trespasses.

In conclusion

Other observations that are nonspecific to any culture such as celebrating achievements such as graduations, or other important life events that are honored, including the birth of a child, which is highly celebrated as it is a time to welcome new life and also help the parents get themselves in a stable condition so they can better care for the new addition to their family and the community as a whole can quickly turn into a several day festive event.