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Many people see Christmas as a Christian holiday, but most of the symbols we associate with Christmas celebrations are actually derived from the shamanistic traditions of the people of pre-Christian Northern Europe. The sacred mushroom of these people where the red and white amanita muscaria mushroom, also known as “fly agaric.” These mushrooms are now commonly seen in books of fairy tales, and are usually associated with magic and fairies. This is because they contain potent hallucinogenic compounds, and they were used by ancient peoples for insight and mystical experiences.
Most of the major elements of the modern Christmas celebration, such as Santa Claus, Christmas trees, magical reindeer and the giving of gifts, are originally based upon the traditions surrounding the harvest and consumption of these most sacred of mushrooms. Although the modern image of Santa Claus was created at least in part by the advertising department of Coca-Cola, in truth his appearance, clothing, and mannerisms all mark him as the reincarnation of one of these ancient mushroom-gathering shaman. One of the side effects of eating amanita mushrooms is that the face takes on a flushed, ruddy glow. This is why Santa is always shown with glowing red cheeks and nose. Even Santa’s jolly “Ho, Ho, Ho!” is the euphoric laugh of one who has indulged in the magic fungus. Santa also dresses like a mushroom gatherer. When it was time to go out and harvest the magical mushrooms, the ancient shamans would dress much like Santa, wearing red and white fur-trimmed coats and long black boots.
These people lived in dwellings made of birch and reindeer hide, called “yurts.” Somewhat similar to a teepee, the yurt’s central smoke hole is often also used as an entrance. After gathering the mushrooms from under the sacred trees where they appeared, the shaman would fill his sack and return home. Climbing down the chimney-entrances, they would share out the mushroom’s gifts with those within. The amanita mushroom needs to be dried before being consumed; the drying process reduces the mushroom’s toxicity while increasing its potency. So people would thusly string the mushrooms and hang them around the hearth-fire to dry. This tradition is echoed in the modern stringing of popcorn and other items.
So while many people in the modern world have rejected Christmas as being too commercial and a celebration of materialism, why not get back to basics and enjoy some magical mushrooms with your loved ones this solstice? What better gift can a family share than a little piece of love and mystical insight?
(the story came from a high times magazine and the image, I can not find the creator for credits, taken off the internet)
A new family Christmas card perhaps?
