Orphism definition

ôrfĭzəm
An ancient Greek mystery religion arising in the sixth century bc from a synthesis of pre-Hellenic beliefs with the Thracian cult of Zagreus and soon becoming mingled with the Eleusinian mysteries and the doctrines of Pythagoras.
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A short-lived movement in early 20th-century painting, derived from cubism but marked by a lyrical style and the use of bold color.
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The rites and religion ascribed to Orpheus as founder.
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Origin of orphism

  • French orphisme from Orphée Orpheus from Greek Orpheus

    From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition

Orphism Sentence Examples

  • Both inculcated a peculiar kind of ascetic life; both had a mystical speculative theory of religion, with purificatory rites, abstinence from beans, &c.; but Orphism was more especially religious, while Pythagoreanism, at least originally, inclined more to be a political and philosophical creed.

  • It does not appear, however, that a regularly organized or numerous Orphic sect ever existed, nor that Orphism ever became popular; it was too abstract, too full of symbolism.

  • Of more modern writings on Orpheus and Orphism the following may be consulted.

  • Epimenides must be reckoned with Melampus and Onomacritus as one of the founders of Orphism.

  • The doctrine established itself in Greek theology under the influence of Orphism, and supplied Plato with mythic forms for his " criticism of life."

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