Holiday Tree Ornament - Magic Mushroom - Amanita muscaria - Blown Glass and Glitter

Holiday Tree Ornament - Magic Mushroom - Amanita muscaria - Blown Glass and Glitter

  • $51.12
    Unit price per 


This listing is for one blown glass ornament  featuring a pair of magic mushrooms, Amanita muscaria, also known as Fly Agaric, which has connections to the Christmas holiday.

Ethnobotanist Jonathan Ott first made the link between Amanita muscaria and various Christmas motifs in 1976, connecting among other things Santa Claus’ home at the North Pole and his unique red and white suit to the natural dwelling place of the Amanita muscaria mushroom. Ott theorized Siberian shamans distributing Amanita muscariato villagers in wintertime must have done so via the smokehole of their yurts, and that mushrooms would then be placed in stockings to dry over the fireplace. This story, he argues, has obvious connections to Santa’s own entry into the home via the chimney with his attendant bag of gifts. Critics point out the modern red and white suit of Santa Claus is a relatively recent addition to the Christmas mythology and is an artifact originating in the 19th century. Furthermore, they argue the importance of stockings and chimneys is related to the kind acts of Saint Nicholas, the Greek bishop from the 4th century who most people believe is the original Santa Claus.

Adorn your Holiday tree with this unique ornament -and it makes a great gift!

*Item is fragile*

*All other items are props only*