Autumnism is a belief that worships the Fall equinox. According to the residents of Maple Village, Shannon is their lady that brings the autumnal rains through shedding tears and crying. The rain is referred to as “holy water” because it waters the maple trees.

It is believed that those who respect nature and have a heart of gold will be sent to the Promised Land once they die. The Promised Land consists of yellow skies, fluffy clouds, candles, old broken walls and floors to convey hisorical aesthetic, and unconditional love.

Those who cut down a good healthy maple tree gets turned into a maple tree. Those who learned to understand the values of trees and change goes back to normal. Those who don’t change, as well as lying and manipulating remain a tree forver, their souls being taken down and are never seen again physically.

However, those who refuse to respect nature, cut down trees for housing and profit, and continue being destructive are sent down to the City of Pollution. The City of Pollution is place of suffering, no signs of life, polluted air, lava, and jarring sounds of chainsaws and machinery.

In September, the first day of Autumn is celebrated. The residents believe that Shannon is a goddess of the Fall equinox and the immortal guardian of the maple tree forest. The feast(which starts at 5:00 p.m.) consists of turkey, cheese, apple pie, and grape juice. Before they feast, they wait for Shannon to come flying down to the Palace. Once Shannon arrives, they offer her the feast and appreciate the bounty of the Fall. After that, the food that remains gets fed to the families. During 8:00 a.m., the palace bells ring for 3 hours to keep the village peaceful and tell the residents that Autumn is here. Many couples, friends, and family get a bouquet of maple leaves. The residents will dress in orangish yellow robes and wear sugar and red maple leaf crowns and dance around a Fall version of the Swedish maypole.

In October, the residents wear clay masks, the same robes, the same crowns, and a candle on their head. They gather around at the graveyard and place a big leaf maple on their dead loved one’s or friends grave. Most residents would eat soup for dinner, and eat pumpkin pie for dessert . They also pray to Shannon. On October 31rst, the residents dress in costumes, throws parties, eat candy, and play around.

In November, most residents would leave the village to see their families on Thanksgiving. After that, they wave goodbye to the Fall equinox and welcome the Winter solstice.

The core values of Autumnism are respecting nature and the Earth, appreciating the colorful leaves and nature’s bounty, showing respect towards women, unconditional love and kindness, and learning history, as well as preserving it.