Kissagoi
/kɪˈsæɡɔɪ/noun
An ancient Greek term for ivy-bearers or devotees associated with the worship of Dionysus.
Did you know?Ivy was sacred to Dionysus and symbolized ecstatic ritual, protection from intoxication, and the god’s power to cross ordinary human limits.
Etymological Timeline
Pre-Classical Greek
Greek
kissos
“Ivy; a sacred evergreen plant associated with Dionysian worship”
Classical Greek
Greek
agō
“To lead, carry, or bring”
Classical Greek
Ancient Greek
kissagós
“Ivy-bearing or one who carries ivy”
Classical Greek
Ancient Greek
kissagoi
“Ivy-bearers; the plural form used for people connected with Dionysian ritual”
Modern English
English
kissagoi
“A scholarly or antiquarian term for ivy-bearers or Dionysian devotees”