Orgia

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A riotous gathering or celebration marked by uncontrolled indulgence and excess
2. A wild festive event characterized by unbridled revelry and lack of restraint
3. An unrestrained or frenzied celebration involving excessive eating, drinking, or merrymaking

Etymology: "Orgia" is the plural of "orgion," a word from Ancient Greek ὄργιον (órgion), which meant a sacred rite or ritual performed in worship of a god. Greek writers used the plural "orgia" for the secret ceremonies of mystery cults, such as those honoring Dionysus, Demeter, and Cybele, where worshippers took part in rites that were kept hidden from outsiders. Over time the plural took on a darker reputation. Because these rites were private and often involved wild dancing, wine, and ecstatic behavior, outsiders came to suspect that anything hidden from view must be debauched. In English, "orgies" today means unrestrained revelry or excess, a sense that drifted far from the solemn, religious meaning the Greek plural once carried.