White beard, prominent belly and a red dress. Santa Claus he is one of the most recognized figures of the Christmas tradition. But have you ever wondered what burns in his pipe?
Yes, that one pipe which not everyone pays attention to, but which accompanies the big old man in all his adventures. And the reason it's shocking.
Sit comfortably and prepare to discover a magical story, which will revolutionize (forever) your idea of Christmas.
Is Santa Claus a shaman from Siberia?
Snow, ice and frozen landscapes. We're in Siberia: one of the coldest territories on Earth, with temperatures dropping down to -40°C in winter.
In these remote places, the shamans occupied a central role. Sacred figures that acted as a bridge between the earthly world and that of spirits. But what does it have to do with it?
To "connect" they used to use some psychotropic substances. Mainly the amanita muscaria: a psychoactive mushroom red with white dots, which "strangely" resembles the colors of Santa Claus.
Instead, cannabis, already appreciated for its psychoactive and healing properties, could play a secondary role in these rituals, performed precisely between December 21st and 22nd for celebrate the winter solstice: the longest night of the year.
From shamanic traditions to Santa Claus: let's unravel the mystery
If the use of psychoactive substances is a first clue, there are various elements of ancient shamanic and pagan traditions that are linked to Santa Claus.
Like the sleigh pulled by reindeer, which in addition to being considered sacred animals, pulled the shamans' sleighs between the villages. And not only that.
It is said that shamans used the fireplace or the roof openings to enter homes, because the doors were blocked by snow. Doesn't it remind you of the image of Santa Claus?
Finally the smoking pipe, which could recall the sacred smoking ritual: a means to connect with the divine or to evoke a state of calm and introspection.
