DescriptionFly 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 as a symbol of good luck. Fly agaric has a long history of use in religious ceremonies. In Asia for over 4,000 years it was an ingredient in a sacred and hallucinogenic ritual drink.Santa can be traced back to several characters in folklore. The Scandinavian house goblin who offered protection, the archbishop Saint Nicolas renowned for his kindness to children, and the Siberian shaman who’s use of fly agaric may have played a part in the development of the legend. During midwinter shamans would enter yurts through the smoke hole. Making their way down the central birch pole and bringing a bag of dried fly agaric. After the ceremony he would leave the same way he had come. People believed the shaman could fly himself or with reindeer that also have a taste for fly agaric. Santa is now dressed in the same colours as the fly agaric. He carries a sack with special gifts, comes and goes via chimney, flies with reindeer, and lives in the ‘Far North’.Many depictions of the Slavic folk witch Baba Yaga also show her with mushrooms. Especially the Fly Agaric. This psychoactive mushroom can cause hallucinations, euphoria, and death. Baba Yaga is immortal and embodies the dual nature of life and death. 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.Beautifully detailed Hand Blown Glass ornament imported from Ukraine perfect to adorn your altar or Christmas tree.You will receive 1 little frosted mushroom
