Mystery cults

Britannica Concise Encyclopedia: mystery religion

Any of various secret cults of the Greco-Roman world. Derived from primitive tribal ceremonies, mystery religions reached their peak of popularity in Greece in the first three centuries AD. Their members met secretly to share meals and take part in dances and ceremonies, especially initiation rites. The cult of Demeter produced the most famous of the mystery religions, the Eleusinian Mysteries, as well as the Andania mysteries. Dionysus was worshiped in festivals that included wine, choral singing, sexual activity, and mime. The Orphic cult, by contrast, based on sacred writings attributed to Orpheus, required chastity and abstinence from meat and wine. Mystery cults also attached to Attis, Isis, and Jupiter Dolichenus, among others.

For more information on mystery religion, visit Britannica.com.

Search unanswered questions...

Browse: Unanswered questions | Most-recent questions | Reference library

Best of the Web: Mystery cults

Top

Some good "Mystery cults" pages on the web:

Mythology
www.pantheon.org

Learn More

	mysteries (ancient religion, ancient Greece/ancient Rome)
	Joseph Campbell: Mythos 1.5 - The Mystical Life (1996 History Film)
	Ancient Mysteries (parapsychology)

	What is the Cult of Skaro? Read answer...
	Are Jews A Cult? Read answer...
	What did cults do and why? Read answer...

Help us answer these

	Is it a theological cult or a behavioral cult?
	Who are the Christian cults?
	What is a 'Cult' artist?

Post a question - any question - to the WikiAnswers community:

Copyrights: