Craig White's Literature Courses

Terms / Themes

Mystery
Agricultural adornment of Demeter;
thanks to http://www.esotericonline.net/group/eleusinianmysteries

Oxford English Dictionary. Mystery.

etymology: classical Latin mystērium secret, (plural) secret rites, in post-classical Latin also mystical or religious truth (Vetus Latina), (plural) Christian rites (late 2nd cent. in Tertullian), the Eucharist, the elements used in the Eucharist (4th cent.)

I. Theological uses 1. Mystical presence or nature; mystical significance
2. a. A religious truth known or understood only by divine revelation; esp. a doctrine of faith involving difficulties which human reason is incapable of solving.

II. Non-theological uses.5.  a. A hidden or secret thing; something inexplicable or beyond human comprehension; a person or thing evoking awe or wonder but not well known or understood; an enigma.

7.a. A secret rite of an ancient religion or occult society to which only the initiated are admitted.

Eleusinian Mysteries

 

Contemporary examples:

Freemasonry, temple rites, orders of initation (32nd degree?)

Boy & Girl Scouts + "special orders"

Martial arts studios?

Mormon temples, baptizing the dead, etc.

 

How comparable to Dionysian?

sense of belonging, unity among creatures

sense of being lifted out of normal world or order into special status, ecstatic union with fellow worshippers and / or divinity.