By diverting the Dionysian impulse into special rites on special days, the orgy kept it under control, preventing it from surfacing in more insidious and perfidious ways. More than that, it transformed it into an invigorating and liberating–and, in that much, profoundly religious–celebration of life and the life force. It permitted people to escape from their artificial and restricted social roles to regress into a more authentic state of nature, which modern psychologists have associated with the Freudianid or unconscious. It appealed most to marginal groups, since it set aside the usual hierarchies of man over woman, master over slave, patrician over commoner, rich over poor, and citizen over foreigner. In short, it gave people a much-needed break–like modern holidays, but cheaper and more effective. Neel Burton
About This Quote

The ancient Greeks, especially the Athenians, had a Dionysian festival every spring. This festival was held at the beginning of March, and it included wine-drinking, dancing, music, and all other forms of merrymaking. It was also considered the greatest festival of the year. The Athenians celebrated this festival by allowing anyone to participate in it.

This meant that anyone who wanted to could drink wine, dance, listen to music, and have fun with his or her friends. It allowed people to escape from their daily roles that they were forced into by society. People could express whatever they wanted secretly without having to worry about anyone else finding out about their secret beliefs or ideas.

This festival was so popular that it had to be kept secret so that no one would ever find out about it.

Source: For Better For Worse: Should I Get Married?

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