Eleusinian mysteries

plural noun

1. the mysteries, celebrated annually at Eleusis and Athens in ancient times, in memory of the abduction and return of Persephone and in honor of Demeter and Bacchus.

Eleusinian mysteries

plural noun

1. a mystical religious festival, held in September at Eleusis in classical times, in which initiates celebrated Persephone, Demeter, and Dionysus

Word History and Origins

Origin of Eleusinian mysteries¹

First recorded in 1635–45

Example Sentences

Thus (i. 232) controversy, it seems, still rages among scholars as to ‘the object of the Eleusinian Mysteries.’

From Project Gutenberg

Pausanias is the authority for a statement by the Phliasians that they imitated the Eleusinian Mysteries.

From Project Gutenberg

Julian strived in vain to infuse new life into the vanishing cult, but it was too late—the Eleusinian Mysteries were dead.

From Project Gutenberg

This fact is sometimes used as an argument in favour of the Egyptian origin of the Eleusinian Mysteries.

From Project Gutenberg

Nero sought admission into the Eleusinian Mysteries, but was rejected because of the many slaughters connected with his name.

From Project Gutenberg