T’was the night before…
Those four words might bring images of reds, whites, and greens of the holiday season. But where does the rich Yuletide symbolism come from? The answer may surprise you!
There are a few theories revolving around the symbolism of this holiday, but here is one version of the story:
Stockings and Presents Under The Tree
It begins on the day of Winter Solstice: December 21. Hundreds of years ago, it was believed that indigenous people of the North Pole—particularly Lapland and Siberia—would celebrate the day much like we do Christmas Eve. Shamans would collect the famously red and white spotted mushroom, Amanita muscaria, from under evergreen trees and spend time dehydrating them on the branches of the evergreens they grew amongst. Another way was to put them in socks and spread them over the fire. Does that sound familiar to the tradition of stockings above the fireplace?
The shamans would use their dried Amanitas during guided ceremonies for the festive date. If you’re not familiar with Amanita, it has powerful hallucinogenic properties but can also be highly toxic if not prepared properly.
Santa and Flying reindeer
Perhaps the most fascinating way of consumption was by drinking the urine of the reindeer that consumed the mushroom. The reindeer were able to filter out the toxins while the urine maintained the hallucinogenic effects of the Amanita muscaria.
While the shamans were on their spiritual journey, they were said to turn into animals and fly toward the North Star in search of knowledge that would aid in the future of their people. The imagery of Santa Claus soaring through the night on Christmas Eve with his sleigh and reindeer is believed to have originated from this practice. The shamans would return with the gift of wisdom to share with their community, much like Santa shares gifts with children around the world.
Santa Coming Down the Chimney
But where did the idea of Santa coming down the chimney originate? During these rituals, snow often blocked the entrances to yurts—these large, round structures had a central hole in the roof where smoke would leave. As a result, shamans would enter through the roof opening. And so, another enduring tale was born.
St. Nicholas and A Blending of Myths
Over time, the tales surrounding Amanita muscaria evolved. Druids brought these stories to Great Britain, where they merged with Germanic and Nordic myths. One such myth spoke of demon attacks causing reindeer blood to fall to the ground, sprouting the distinctive red-and-white Amanita mushrooms the following year. Later, in the 4th century, Christianity introduced the story of Saint Nicholas, a Turkish bishop who ultimately inspired the modern-day Santa Claus.
Regardless of where these myths originate from, one thing is abundantly clear. Mushrooms like the Amanita muscaria have influenced Yuletide culture and tales for hundreds of years. Though perhaps these ones should remain in the forest and not in our stockings.