Have You Heard of the Fascinating Connection Between Christmas and Magic Mushrooms?

Scholar Gordon Wasson published a book in 1967 to argue that psychedelic mushroom "Amanita Muscaria" was used by ancient Siberian shamans for ceremonies where the fascinating history of the connection between Christmas and magic mushroom was established.

Another Harvard biologist Donald Pfister confirmed the same story and added, reindeers also ate such mushrooms, which probably where the idea of "reindeers flying" originated.

A story of ancient far east says indigenous peoples then highly valued a magic mushroom called "Amanita Muscaria" for its psychoactive power for ceremonial use. Note: these mushrooms are poisonous and only experienced shamans do have some process or rituals to make these edible.

During winter solstice, Siberian shamans with red cloak and white beard would pick Amanita Muscaria mushrooms in the woods, put it in a sack, carry it in their back, and would go house to house to deliver these mushrooms as gifts.

Since it's winter and houses are covered in thick snow, these shamans would go up to the houses' chimneys to be able to deliver their *trippy* "gift".

Podcaster Joe Rogan also eloquently shared this story in his podcast, The Joe Rogan Experience. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rxYF-8NHlsY

There is also YT video about this with very interesting and visually appealing story-telling here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xz_JZJkqsEc

Though there are not much further research about this to support Gordon Wasson and Donald Pfister's claim apart from the fascinating parallel stories about Santa, Christmas and the ancient Siberian winter solstice setting during the ancient times; yet ultimately, whatever is it that shaped our holiday traditions, all these bring about the essence of sharing, gift giving and spreading love and joy.

While there are many stories about Christmas and Santa Claus, do you believe that the vivid colors of Siberian shamans have inspired depictions of Santa's magical journey?