Orgies, triumphs and tragedies
On Bacchus and language
What an eclectic mix of words!
On the surface, it might not seem that these are connected, but they are. Let's take each of these in turn.
First, when one thinks of orgies, more often than not, one thinks of debauchery, promiscuity, and sexual indulgence. 'Orgy' comes to English via French, Latin, and ancient Greek. In ancient Greek, orgia (ὄργια) designated the secret rites held especially in honour of Bacchus. Bacchus (or Dionysus) is the god of wine and revelry. In keeping with the nature of its deity, orgia were clandestine and mysterious rites that involved sex akin to its modern definition, but one of its primary goals was to achieve ecstatic union with the divine.
Second, to some who partake in activities such as orgies, they may consider these a personal success, a triumph of sorts. 'Triumph' is a borrowing from the French triumphe, then from Latin triumphus—a 'celebratory procession for a victorious general or admiral'. Ultimately, 'triumph' originates from the Greek thriambos (θρίαμβος) or dithyrambos (διθύραμβος). The Greek term designates raucous and ardent choral hymns sung in ancient Athens in honour of the god Bacchus. Over time, the meaning of thriambos became more secular and abstract, giving us the word 'triumph'. To be sure, triumph is also a doublet of trump. Think of one's 'trump card', something that one holds in reserve and uses to win.
Finally, another hymn dedicated to Bacchus is a tragedy. Tragedies were often performed as part of the Dionysia (Διονύσια), a large festival in ancient Athens, in honour of Dionysus/Bacchus. In ancient Greek, 'tragedy' is a combination of the words tragos (τράγος) or 'male goat'; and oide (ᾠδή) or 'ode, song'. There are several competing beliefs regarding the link between goats and tragedies. First, in these festivals, goats were sacrificed. Odes would be sung as the sacrifice was made. Second, some believe that the link comes from actors who would wear goat costumes to mimic satyrs—half-goat beings. Goats were also considered symbolic of Bacchus. Third, tragedies might be so-called because a goat was offered as a prize for writing excellent tragedies. Regardless, the goat-ode became intertwined with this type of play.
These terms show that the beliefs of the Graeco-Roman classical world, especially towards their deities, still permeate the language that we speak nowadays.
So, what do orgies, triumphs and tragedies have in common? Bacchus.