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MUSHROOMS, CHRISTIANITY, AND SANTA CLAUS?

I once heard a rumor that Santa Claus was really a hallucinogenic amanita mushroom in disguise, and here's a site that does an interesting job of arguing exactly this point, if you can believe it. This site traces the shamanic use of amanita in European tribal societies, its relationship to Christianity, and the deeper spiritual meanings of the amanita-like icon of Santa Claus. The basic argument is that Santa Claus is a representation of the red and white amanita mushroom which, when ingested, produces feelings of ecstatic flight and the ability to "see into the hearts of others" ("he's going to find out who's naughty and nice"). The sacred mushroom is also associated with reindeer and pine trees. So, Santa is really a shamanic icon that has been corrupted by Christianity and/or commercialism? Maybe. Check out the site and decide for yourself.

Wed, 28 Jun 2000 07:59:02 -0700

Submitted by: Martin Ball