Disciples of the Kiss

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Disciples of the Kiss is a religion based on the life, example, and philosophy of Milton S. Hershey. In additon to Hershey the man, the religion's practices and beliefs are centered around the town and attractions of Hershey, Pennsylvania. Adherents profess the belief that "life is sweet" and live out that belief by recalling the wisdom of Milton Hershey, as well as active participation and pilgrammage to the entertainment and confectionary delights of Hershy, Pa.

The Disciples of the Kiss has its context in the modern world, being centered around the modern attractions and food of Hershey, Pa. Some say the tenets and beliefs of the Disciples are based solely in a fantasy world, but the Disciples themselves see their beliefs and practices as modeling reality as it really is, as well as shaping it into what it should be (Geertz).

[edit] Purpose

Bringing sweet moments of Hershey happiness to the world every day.

[edit] Origin

Hershey PA was originally called Derry Church, but was appropriately renamed Hershey in 1906 in response to the growing popularity of the candy and the man who started it all… Milton Snavely Hershey was born in 1857 near Derry Church Pennsylvania. The only son to Henry and Fanny Hershey, he grew up on a farm, dropped out of school by age ten and began an apprenticeship with a Lancaster county candy-maker which lasted approximately four years. Realizing how much he enjoyed the confectionary craft, Hershey moved to Philadelphia to begin his first entrepreneurial venture. Unfortunately, in Philadelphia, as well as his next two attempts in the world of sweets, in Chicago and New York, went sour, and he moved back to Lancaster to start again. In 1883 he began the Lancaster County Caramel Company which became an instant success. And with the money he acquired, Hershey began an enterprise that would eventually become a world-wide phenomenon. He purchased 40,000 acres of land in his hometown, realizing the plethora of resources, particularly cows and milk, available that would be needed to produce the creamy milk chocolate that at the time, was primarily a Swiss luxury. In 1905 he opened the factory that would inspire a town, and created the first nationally marketed product of its kind. As the industry expanded, the factory needed workers, and with them came a community. In 1898, Hershey married the love of his life, Catherine Sweeney. The two could never have children so they felt it was necessary to do everything in their power to benefit the lives of others. Catherine died suddenly in 1915, and Milton never re-married, but in her absence his philanthropic endeavors soared. He expanded the Industrial School they built in 1909, which would eventually become the Milton S. Hershey School. He founded the Penn State Hershey Medical Center, one of the top teaching facilities in the country. He established numerous programs and buildings to enhance the culture of central Pennsylvania, including the Hershey Gardens, Hershey Theater, and Hershey Museum. And he played significant roles in governmental programs to ensure the well-being of Americans all over the country, such as the public works programs in FDR’s famous New Deal and Ration-D Bars for soldiers of the Second World War. For the rest of his life, he made sure the quality of his product and the well being of his employees came before the profit he made. Hershey was a man of integrity, community, and love.

[edit] Matriculation

Stage 1: Assorted Miniatures (represented by the Silver wrapped Hershey Kiss)

Being introduced to the religion. The first profession of one's commitment to the Kiss is made. At this time, followers are introduced to the purpose, history, and philosophy initiated by Milton Herhsey nearly a century ago.

Stage 2: Hershey Kisses

Once this stage is achieved, the follower is considered a true member of the Disciples of the Kiss. Now is the time when members begin adhering to the rituals and interpreting the sacred texts.

Stage 3: Reeses

This stage is reached once each member has completed their pilgrimage to various locations in Herhsy, PA. Some locations include: Hershey Park, Milton Hershey Schools, Hershey Museum, and the Chocolate Factory.

Stage 4: Hershey's Bar

Charity and Mission work were essential parts of Milton Hershey's life goals. In order to form a closer connection and understanding of his beliefs, each individual must complete a philanthropic endeavor.

Stage 5: Twizzler

After completing your philanthropic endeavor, it is time to reintroduce yourself to the sweet moments. Take one final trip to Hershey Park and enjoy the oasis that Milton Hershey created. Chose one classic ride (the Carrousel, the Whip, the Scrambler, the Comet, etc.) and enjoy it 5 times in a row. After the 5th time, you have successfully completed the 5th stage. The fifth stage can only be met once the previous four have been completed.

Stage 6: Jolly Rancher

To complete your initiation into the Disciples of the Kiss, take a journey through the history and creation of Hershey Chocolate. Join friends and family and experience the thrill of the Chocolate World Ride. Once you have viewed the sweetness of Milton Hershey, your education is complete.

[edit] The Chocolate World Ride

The Chocolate World Ride holds a great significance as the ultimate ritual of the Disciples of the Kiss. While the prospective follower is standing in line to board the ride, he or she is in a reflective state. They are separated both physically and mentally from the full joy of being a member of the Disciples. Once he or she boards the sacred vessel of discovery, each person enters into a transitional state of being. The normal social boundaries and rules don't seem to apply. A mystic voice emparts words of wisdom while re-enforcing all you have learned on your journey thus far. Cows dance and sing about the glories of Hershey and all his works. You are within a matter of seconds transported from a burning oven to the peaceful serenity of a country farm. Once you approach the end of this magical journey, a photograph is taken to commemorate your successful completion of entering in the Discipleship. You are then reintegrated into society as a changed person. The final act to seal your commitment to the Disciples of the Kiss is recieving and eating your piece of chocolate once you're off the ride. (Virabhadra)

[edit] Sacred Texts

Best Loved Hersheys. New York: Publications International, 2007.

D'Antonio, Michael. Hershey: Milton S. Hershey's Extraordinary Life of Wealth, Empire and the Utopian Dream. New York: Simon and Schuster, 2007.

Houts, Mary Davidoff. Hershey: Images of America. New York: Arcadia Publishing, 2000.

Torpey, Marilyn Odesser. The Hershey Pennsylvania Cookbook: Fun Treats and Trivia From the Chocolate Capital of the World. New York: Globe Pequot, 2007.

Hersheypark map ("The Map"): extremely important, this text, while pictorially describing one of the most important holy places of the Disciples, also contain many tenets of the faith. The specific foods and forms of entertainment are expressed to the world, in addition to the duration of the Disciples of the Kiss religious seasons. Finally, "the Map" lists all of the restrictions and freedoms for each stage.

The Living Text: a simple, two-word pronouncement, "Hershey's Cocoa," is scribed in bushes outside of the sacred factory. It simply yet powerfully proclaims the Hershey name and legacy to the world.

Disputed Texts:

The Lost Cassette: a mythic video recording of Milton S. Hershey in a heroic journey conquering the Canyon River Rapids. Legend says he was the first to survive the trip. No actual copy is thought to have survivied, and many historians within the religion doubt its historicity in both content and actual composition.

The Book of War: a moral epic fable depicting the mythic Chocolate Wars between the virtuous Hershey candy gods, the evil M&M minions of Forrest Mars, and the odious Oompa-Loompas of Willy Wonka. This tale mainly exists in oral traditions; few, if any, written accounts are said to exist.

These texts are considered disputed because they seem to contradict the elements of Hershey's life as given in the biographies. However, some scholars point out that this is not necessarily problematic; apparent contradictions in religious literature would require readers to engage the literature in different ways and to seek the objective of the original source (Genesis).

[edit] Sacred Places

Hershey Homestead

Hershey Park

Hershey's Chocolate World

Hershey's Chocolate Factory

Hershey Gardens

Hotel Hershey

Hershey Medical Center

Hershey Museum

Hershey Theatre

The Milton S. Hershey School

[edit] Holy Days

Milton S. Hershey

September 13th- Milton Hershey's Day of Birth

To commemorate the birth of the founder, all Disciples enjoy liquid chocolate for one of their three meals, because it was the original form chocolate was consumed, as well as a Milton Hershey Multi-Chocolate Birthday Cake (see Sacred Texts for recipes)

October 13th- Day of Remembrance

For the death of Milton Hershey, the disciples go into “mourning” but also celebrate the life of the man who founded our purpose. Not only is it declared a day of rest, where all disciples are dismissed from work, it is also the day of the feast. On this day disciples enjoy two meals with their community, a brunch and a dinner, where every dish contains a Hershey product; think beyond chocolate and get creative. (Sacred Texts) The feast opens and closes with the Hershey Commemoration: the prayer and ode to the man we are remembering.

April 24th- Opening of Hershey Park

Initially, Hershey Park was opened as a leisure Park for the disciples. As a result, on this day the park is open only to Disciples of the Kiss. Throughout the day, all Disciples must participate in the park experience by enjoying the rides, attending the shows, and eating the food provided in the Park.

[edit] Prayers and Rituals

Ritual

Every day, we wake up with a smile, and savor a kiss to start our day off sweetly. This not only gives us our daily mission, but also reminds us of the ultimate purpose of our faith: spreading sweetness throughout the world. As a Disciple, you must have in your possession a Hershey Jar containing a variety of different Hershey Kisses. Each morning you dip your hand into the sacred container and blindly pull out a kiss. The color of the kiss you pulled out dictates which element of the religion you will focus on throughout that day.

Purple - If you have chosen the purple, today is the day for personal reflection. At every meal, you must look into yourself and contemplate on your actions as a Disciple of the Kiss. Evaluate your day and if you have adhered to the principles of the kiss, continue or alter your behavior to be the sweetest person you can be.

Red - If you have chosen the red kiss, it is your duty to commit simple acts of kindness and compassion throughout the day. Pay close attention to all you do, because actions speak louder than words, and Milton Hershey was a man whose actions impacted people for generations to come. Spread the sweetness.

Gold - If you have chosen gold, work extra hard on your acts of charity. Donate your time and practice for when you get to be a Hershey Bar. Start the habit now.

Silver - For all those who have chosen the silver kiss, this is the most sacred and pure of them all. The most important aspect of our faith is spreading sweetness throughout the world, and this is the duty entrusted to you. Seek out those in need who yearn for the sweetness and invite them to join the practices of our faith.

Once the kiss has been eaten each disciple must recite the Holy Hershey prayer to complete their preparation for the day ahead.

Holy Hershey Prayer

Hershey’s Chocolate, Hershey’s Chocolate, Hershey’s Chocolate World.

Wherever you go, near or far, you’re always near a Hershey Bar,

Hershey’s Chocolate, real milk chocolate,

Hershey’s (pause)-the Great American Chocolate Bar

- Almond

[edit] Controversies and Scholarship

While the ingesting of chocolate is an important daily ritual, there are certain guidelines that specify how the chocolate may or may not be consumed. Chocolate may be added to any food (nuts, cookies, gravy, vegetables, etc.) except fruit. As soon as chocolate comes in contact with any type of solid fruit, the holy substance has been defiled. The sacred chocolate substance loses all connection to the holiness of Hershey. The chocolate now joins the realm of the profane (ordinary) chocolate. (Durkheim) Corporations like Edible Arrangements make their living creating edible fruit arrangements that test the dedication of the Disciples of the Kiss. Notice on the Left the arrangement that has defiled the chocolate by coming in contact with the pineapple flowers. Similarly, on the Right, all those strawberries simultaneously corrupt the purity of the chocolate. (Leviticus)

Some scholars have sought to clarify and determine what specifically makes the Disciples of the Kiss such a popular religion. Pete Regreb notes that the Disciples seek to produce a cosmization based through the lens of chocolate and fun; that is, the world as "humanly meaningful" is explained and experienced through eating chocolate and enjoying the attractions in Hershey, Pa (Berger).

Most Disciples claim that all religious beliefs, practices, and important decisions about the town of Hershey are directly inspired by Milton Hershey, either by his writings or teachings. These Disciples even assert that recent decisions about the town of Hershey, such as the addition of new rides to Hershey Park and increases in ticket prices, are directly inspired by Herhey's writings, even though they are at least fifty years old. Some religious scholars posit that the Hershey Trust Company, which oversees the Park, presents these changes as actually coming straight from the mouth or heart of Hershey, despite the fact that they are clearly making these decisions based on commerical considerations. The presentation of these decisions as coming from Milton Hershey himself is a way to give authority to their decisions (Going to Hell).

Many scholars have noted that Hersheypark, the principle holy place for the Disciples, has undergone a subtle change through the years in their management style. During the life of Hershey, the Park was run for the enjoyment of Hershey Company employees and their families, with minimal admission and the intimacy of friends and colleagues. After Hershey's death, the Park has become much more commercialized, catering to tens of thousands of people each season from across the nation and charging what some consider to be exorbitant rates. Nevertheless, the Disciples of the Kiss see the Park as still the holiest place on Earth. Disciple scholars maintain that the Park still functions in spreading the message of "sweetness" to the world, though in a redefined way based on cultural and historical considerations. The time of Hershey required small scale, community based sweetness to get started. As the world has become more commercial and technology has increased, the Park was in a position to spread the message of sweetness to a much larger sphere, but required more resources and advanced rides to do this (Jihad/matyrdom).

Some scholarly work on the Disciples of the Kiss has been criticized as reductionistic. One work contends that there is a "logical explanation" for the behavior of the Disciples and why they revere Milton Hershey as a holy man. Turtle Eilyw posits that the religious experience of the Disciples of the Kiss "can be scientifically explained as a physical-psychological attraction and the effect of consumption of copious amounts of chocolate-in short, a 'sugar rush.'" He posits this explanation precludes any authentic spiritual experience in the Disciples, though most scholars are quick to point out the reductionism in Eilyw's arguments (Zombies). Similarly, Siggy Duerf argued that the formation of the Disciples of the Kiss was a psychological response to the pleasure one experiences in eating chocolate. People who ate a certain amount of chocolate felt guilty that they were drawn to chocolate, a food deriving from nature. Over time, the human psyche raised chocolate to the level of a supernatural substance in order to assuage its guilt. Eventually, the supernaturalness of chocolate was transferred to the supernaturalness of Hershey, his chocolate-making process, and his town (Freud). Finally, Minnie Rellum sought to explain the origins of the Disciples of the Kiss through the fact that all language is based in action. The concept of sweetness that the Disciples extol is, at its root, an action that the Disciples claim works upon all human beings; some thing must be causing the sense that the world is full of sweetness and good times. However, the primitive Disciples see the imposition of sweetness as a powerful action that cannot be completely understood. In other words, they could not identify an agent that caused them to feel the aura of sweetness. Primitive Disciples eventually identified the agent with the man Milton S. Hershey. Because his attributed action was subconsciously deemed so powerful, however, the Disciples raised him to the level of a divine or semi-divine figure. The importance of the candy characters were also brought about due to this enhancement of agent (Muller).

Diciples believe The Hershey Kiss is representative of Milton Hershey's continued presence on earth (The Stupa). Shortly after Milton's death, Henry Oscar Wilbur broke into the Hershey distribution center and melted all the Kisses in stock. Employees returned the next morning to find a brochure from the newly opened Chocolate Americana Museum in Lititz, PA, and a note reading: "We made them first." It was Wilbur's belief that he invented the dollup size candy, and he was angry that as the Disciple religion expanded, Hershey sales grew in order to fulfill the daily ritual of enjoying a kiss. Shortly after the act by Mr. Wilbur, an unmarked truck "accidently" crashed into Hershey's main power center, shutting down the lines of production for all Hershey Kisses. The driver survived and issued a statement as an employee of Wilbur Chocolate. He was the crusader to save the second oldest chocolatier in the country. Wilbur was the originator of pure, quality chocolate in the United States and Hershey infringed on its territory and practices as a chocolate maker. The truck driver claimed it was his duty to defend the honor of Wilbur Chocolate and attack the company destroying Wilbur's integrity. He also commented that fate would someday punish Hershey for its unholy practices within the chocolate industry, and Wilbur Chocolate would then be re-established as the rightful chocolatier in the area (9-11).

[edit] Glossary

Chocolate - the sacred substance that fueled the prosperous life of our creator Milton Hershey. It is most sacred when served and ingested in its most pure form. You form a closer connection with all things Hershey when the sacred substance is eaten.
Kiss - the holy symbol representing The Disciples of the Kiss. The ordinary, profane definition may be to touch with the lips, especially as a mark of affection or greeting. For the Disciples, the shape of a Hershey Kiss represents the love and compassion Milton Hershey showed for other people.
Milton Hershey - The loving, self sacrificing man who made his life about bringing sweetness to the world. It is because of Hershey that the Disciples of the Kiss make it their life mission to emulate the works of Milton Hershey.
Mars - This alternative candy company is the competitor of Hershey's Chocolate. While Hershey does not encourage talking down about other establishments, it is highly frowned upon and sacrilegious if any Mars product is eaten by a Disciple.
Minnie Rellum - scholar who sought to explain the origins of the Disciples of the Kiss through the idea that all language is based in action
Nestle - A rival candy company to the Hershey corporation. Like the Mars company and product, it is frowned upon and sacrilegious if any Nestle product is eaten.
Pete Regreb - scholar who professes the world as "humanly meaningful". This is explained and experienced through eating chocolate and enjoying the attractions in Hershey, PA
Siggy Duerf- argued that the formation of the Disciples of the Kiss was a psychological response to the pleasure one experiences in eating chocolate
sweet- not only does the world relate to the products made and distributed by Hershey, but also the joy that comes from being a member of the religion.
Turtle Eilyw - scholar who believes the religious experience of the Disciples of the Kiss "can be scientifically explained as a physical-psychological attraction and affect of consumption of copious amounts of chocolate-in short, a 'sugar rush'"
Willy Wonka - a) the Willy Wonka Candy Company is a member of the Nestle family and thus also considered sacrilegious if ingested b) The eccentric candy maker who works along side his Oompa-Loompas to make new and exciting candy creations. His eccentric personality makes him feared and avoided by the Disciples of the Kiss.