MYSTERY RELIGIONS. Like many other terms that represent concepts in the history of religions, mysteries, or mystery religions, serves as an umbrella term covering a wide variety of referents. Since the word had its own origin and history, its use needs to be analyzed carefully, especially in the context of comparative studies.

Definition of Terms

The Greek word mustēria refers initially only to the "mysteries" of Eleusis and signifies a secret celebration or secret worship that is accessible only to initiates (mustai), who have had themselves initiated (muein or telein) into it. Other terms used for the celebration are teletē and orgia; Latin writers either use the Greek word or translate it as initia. Originally, then, mysteries denotes a specific religious manifestation that is essentially different in character from other, official cultic functions; the mysteries are not open to everyone but require a special initiation...