Amanita muscaria in the woods
Fly Agaric (Amanita muscaria) is the quintessential English toadstool with its bright red colour and little white spots. The fleshy toadstool is actually the spore-bearing fruiting body of a fungus and as it matures the white spots drop off and it flattens out. Fly agaric derives its name from the practice of using it to attract and poison flies, often broken up into milk or sprinkled with sugar. It is also toxic to humans.
Photo 1: Fly Agaric in the woods
Photo 2: Fly Agaric emerging
Photo 3: Fly Agaric mini
Photo 4: Fly Agaric with bite
Photo 5: Fly Agaric needing a fairy
Are you familiar with the legends connecting Amanita muscaria with Father Christmas? Notice the beautiful red and white of the mushroom? Legend says, the shamans gathered these in late autumn, dried them under evergreen trees, and then distributed them to the people of the village in December for their winter rituals. This was quite a long time ago, but the symbolism and memory became interwoven with the celebration of winter solstice. By the way- the native reindeer of northern Europe seek them out and eat them, much like birds flock to ripe Pyracantha berries…
Thank you for the wonderful photos, WG
No I didn’t know this. Is fascinating! Thank you for sharing!
You’re welcome. We just found the information last year at solstice. There is a whole tradition in some European countries of using Amanita muscaria as Christmas tree decorations. We found some beautiful blown glass ones from Germany, and added them to the tree last year. A friend from Eastern Europe told us that “mushroom soup” is a traditional Christmas dish in her family. Interesting, isn’t it?
Wow would be lovely to have a glass blown one on the tree – will have to find one 🙂 A lovely tradition!
🙂
http://www.amazon.com/s?ie=UTF8&page=1&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Amushroom%20ornament
I ordered here, and also found them at Christmas Mouse. The clip on the branch style works especially well. Too soon to be planning for the holidays maybe, but you’ll have the site when you’re ready. I am hoping for a nice crop of mushrooms once it finally rains here…
cheers! WG
Great! Thanks for the tip!