Amanita muscaria: The basis of Christmas stuff? (Paolo Neo)

Anyone who has had the slightest interest in mushrooms over the years no doubt knows of the theories connecting aspects of the Christmas tradition with Amanita muscaria.  I figure today is as good a day as any to make mention of it.

How credible are these theories? Well, reasonably so in my opinion, although it is doubtful that the true foundations of the Christmas rituals will ever be known for sure.  And even if proof positive of a connection between mushrooms and Christmas were unveiled, a lot of people would refuse to believe it anyway.

Hey Santa, why you wearin' that red and white suite? (Ben Lindahl)

One well-known proponent of the religious significance of A. muscaria is James Arthur who has written a book about the subject–Mushrooms and Mankind: The Impact of Mushrooms on Human Consciousness and Religion. Now that I think if it, I saw a copy of this book on my shelf recently that I believe he sent me some years ago as a review copy. I think I’ll read it!

Decide for yourself:

The True Meaning of Christmas

Hallucinogenic Mushrooms and Santa Claus

If you have the time and/or inclination you can watch a video of James Aurthur giving an ethnomycological talk. That’s not him in the opening image, he comes in after an introduction.

Or, if you don’t have that much time here is a shorter one, and you can find the rest of the series on YouTube.