Is this a religious observance or some kind of cult? 

Absolutely not. Gratimus is not associated with any culture, race, religion, cuisine or history. It is a tradition that can happily co-exist alongside any religious holiday observations you might already have. We have no expectation you’ll join us and we’re not trying to convince you this is better than anything else you’re doing, or any traditions you already have. It’s like Festivus... but actually for the rest of us. There’s also a lot of latitude within our Holiday Pillars and celebratory meals to make it work for you and yours.