This question has occupied us modern people for quite some time, and it is not without foundation. Basically, there are several ideas as to where the “little man in the forest”, which clearly stands out from the crowd, got its name from. Today, we will look at the three most popular theories and try to find out which is the most likely. After all, we're all wondering: why is Amanita muscaria called a fly agaric, right?
Flying reindeer and the origin of the Christmas story
There is a fascinating legend that is several hundred years old. It says that reindeer can fly after eating Amanita muscaria. This idea comes from the indigenous peoples of Siberia, who observed that reindeer showed a change in behavior when feeding toadstools. The mushrooms contain psychoactive substances such as muscimol and ibotenic acid, especially when raw. When consumed in large quantities, these natural chemical compounds in the fly agaric can cause hallucinations and euphoria.
It is believed that the reindeer actually exhibited rather unusual behavior after consuming the mushrooms, such as exuberant jumping or that they could run unusually fast. This led to the idea that the reindeer could fly. Although this legend is not scientifically proven, it shows the fascinating connection between man and nature and the cultural significance of fly agarics in different cultures. And it is particularly beautiful, as it stimulates the imagination and laid the foundation for the story of Santa Claus and his sleigh carried through the air by reindeer.
Mysterious witches on flying brooms
The idea that witches can travel through the air using flying ointment has a long history in folklore and superstition. This belief dates back to the witch hunts of the Middle Ages, when people, especially women, were accused of being in league with the devil and possessing supernatural powers. One of the legends says that witches were able to produce a special ointment that enabled them to sit on a broom and fly through the air.
The ingredients of these flying ointments were often poisonous plants such as henbane or datura, but also toadstools, all of which had hallucinogenic effects and could give a feeling of floating or flying. It is assumed that the witches applied these ointments to their bodies or rubbed them on a broomstick to put themselves in a trance-like state and then embark on a “journey” through the air.
The ingredients of these flying ointments were often poisonous plants such as henbane or datura, but also fly agarics, all of which had hallucinogenic effects and could give a feeling of floating or flying. It is believed that the witches applied these ointments to their bodies or rubbed them on a broomstick to put themselves in a trance-like state and then embark on a “journey” through the air.
This idea was used by the church and the authorities to justify the witch hunts and to fuel the fear of witchcraft. In reality, however, these flying ointments were a mixture of superstition, misunderstanding and slander. The idea that witches could actually fly through the air was a fantasy that served to consolidate control over the population and suppress dissent.
Today, the idea of flying witches and flying ointments is often seen as a symbol of the power of fantasy and the dangers of superstition. It is important to be aware of the historical background of such beliefs and to critically question what is seen as truth or myth.
White spots as an attractant for flies
The white spots on the Amanita muscaria are a characteristic feature of this type of mushroom and play a major role in its name. The Amanita muscaria is characterized by its bright red cap with white dots. These dots are actually the remains of the mushroom veil that covers the cap of the mushroom in the early stages of development. Over time, the veil tears open, leaving the characteristic white spots on the red surface of the mushroom. This striking appearance is said to be particularly attractive to pesky insects such as flies and mosquitoes.
This is why people in the Middle Ages - when insecticides were not yet available - hoped to get the fly plague under control with pieces of Amanita muscaria soaked in milk. Today, however, tests have shown that Although houseflies can indeed fall over when they drink the poisoned milk, they are usually only stunned for a while. After a while, they continue to fly happily. In all likelihood, it was the sugar that was added to the milk alongside the mushroom pieces that magically attracted the flying insects.
Even if this flytrap story is the best-known explanation, we are not entirely sure today whether this is really the reason why the Amanita muscaria is so named. It is also said that people in the Middle Ages possibly believed that anyone who ate a fly agaric would go mad. After all, the strange drunkenness that the Amanita muscaria effect can put you into comes very close to this. And flies were considered a symbol of madness at the time.
Conclusion of "Why is Amanita muscaria called fly agaric?"
It is obviously not clear beyond doubt where the fly agaric got its name from. So everyone can decide for themselves which theory they think is closest to the truth. And what do you think? Why is Amanita muscaria called fly agaric?
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