DescriptionThis toadstool has turned up in many fairy tales and was even in the story of Alice in Wonderland. It was common on Christmas cards in Victorian and Edwardian times as a symbol of good luck. Fly agaric has a long history of use in religious ceremonies, particularly in Asia and for over 4,000 years it was an ingredient in a sacred and hallucinogenic ritual drink called ‘soma’ in India and Iran.Fly agaric or Amanita muscaria has been a popular icon for Christmas festivities in central Europe and was found on Christmas cards and as a replica decoration for Christmas trees and wreaths. It is thought that the Siberian use of fly agaric may have played a part in the development of the legend of Santa Claus. During midwinter Siberian shamans would enter yurts through the smoke hole and down the central supporting birch pole, bringing a bag of dried fly agaric. After conducting his ceremonies he would leave the same way he had come. Ordinary people would have believed the shaman could fly himself, or with the aid of reindeer which they also knew to have a taste for fly agaric. Santa is now dressed in the same colours as the fly agaric, carries a sack with special gifts, comes and goes via the chimney, can fly with reindeer and lives in the ‘Far North’.This magical mushroom is also seen in depictions with Baba Yaga who is immortal and embodies the dual nature of life and death. Just like a hunter of mushrooms in the woods, you can search out Baba Yaga and perhaps be granted a boon if you are clever enough. Or perhaps you’ll die. With her long scraggly white hair, large nose, and iron teeth, Baba Yaga is so ugly she is almost beautiful, like many types of mushrooms.Perfect for your Yuletide or Ancestor Altar if you are unable to obtain a real skull and want one.Hand painted cold cast resin.
