If you are anything like me the thought of Santa being a shaman will come as a bit of a surprise.  In fact a lot of the symbols and images associated with Christmas are actually derived from the shamanistic traditions.  There seems to be different information as to whether this is the pre-Christian tribes of northern Europe or the Siberian shamans, but in any event, there appears to be some interesting correlations with their traditions.

One is the red mushrooms with the white dots.  Not seen so much these days, but an illustration that has been repeatedly used in days gone by.  These particular mushrooms are actually called Amanita muscaria or otherwise known as ‘fly agaric’.  They contain potent hallucinogenic properties, and can be very toxic so the correct preparation for their usage is absolutely necessary.

Shamans dressed in robes of red with white fur trim and black boots, would set about picking the mushrooms, gatheing them in sacks across their backs. They would then return to the tribes who resided in Yurts, which have a central pole and smoke hole – this could also be used as an entrance. As the weather was harsh, snow would often block the ground entrance to the Yurt. The shaman would therefore enter through the smoke hole with the sack on his back, bringing back the gifts of mushrooms, delivering them to all of the tribe going from Yurt to Yurt – sounding familiar?

Directed by the shaman, the mushrooms would be strung and placed around the boughs of pine trees in order to dry out, making them less toxic and in preparation for eating.

Interestingly the ‘fly agaric’ mushrooms are greatly favoured by Reindeer, who can be seen to ‘dance about’ after their consumption. Another effect is thought to be the sensation of flying and is perhaps how over the years, this has been interpreted as Santa with his flying Reindeer.

For more information – http://www.jungleapocalypse.com/featured/santa-claus-the-magic-mushroom/
or http://www.shamanswell.org/shaman/siberian-shamanism-origins-santa-claus-reindeer-pine-trees-and-mushrooms

I always enjoy putting up my Christmas Tree but I can’t say that I really know why they are part of our Christmas tradition. Do you know? I was actually surprised to learn that essentially Germany is credited with creating the Christmas Tree as the festive feature that we now know and love.

But it wasn’t until 1848 that it actually became fashionable in the UK and America. A trend believed to have been started by Queen Victoria and her husband Albert, a German Prince.

Here’s a little background history from various cultures and traditions for you to think about when you put up your tree.

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