Reply #8: Combination of the Dionysian cult

[Freedom_from_Chains]

and the rights of fertility, i.e. beginning of spring, thing.

The Dionysian cult had the same story of the death and the resurection of their hero (god, with of course some variations, so it fit well with the Christians. Truth probably is that is where the Christians got it from but, their are many death and resurection stories throughout mythology so it's hard to say.

However, the Dionysian worshipers, as part of their rights had a big 24 hour or so orgy. If the Christians would consider importing that back in as part of their practice, well then I might have to give them another look. But I think St. Augistine put and end to that as being a possibility.