Greek Dionysian Mysteries
Dionysus is the demigod of wine, theater, and fertility, but also the god of ritual madness, insanity, and religious ecstasy. He is a combination of naughty and nice in the Greek pantheon. The cult was open to anyone in Greek society, even those who were typically not welcome in Greek society like slaves, non-citizens, and criminals. Celebrations featured a procession, a wine-fueled feast, dancing, chanting, animal sacrifice, and theater performances. Revelers may have spiked the wine with drugs or other additives to heighten the intoxicating effects. The partygoers let loose of their inhibitions to an extent and whipped themselves into a trance like state to transcend themselves and to channel Dionysus’ power. It was a rebellion against the establishment, a way to liberate the common people and outcasts. But the cult kept its rituals a carefully guarded secret. Only other members could know what happened behind closed doors.