Fly Agaric - The Lucky Mushroom 🍄

The German word “Glückspilz” literally means “mushroom of happiness”. It is an idiom derived from the words “Glück” (happiness) and “Pilz” (mushroom). In a figurative sense, “lucky guy” means “lucky person” or “person who is very lucky”.

Why a mushroom?

One explanation is the fact that some mushrooms, such as the fly agaric (Amanita muscaria), considered symbols of happiness in German culture. Although the fly agaric is poisonous, it is often depicted in art and literature as a magic mushroom that brings good luck and magical properties. Therefore, the term “lucky guy” became popular to describe a lucky person.

Dr. Magdalena Laabs is an entrepreneur, painter and traveler who explores different cultures of the world. Thanks to numerous travels, she discovers legends and beliefs of different countries that inspire her art. Magdalena lives in Germany, where her maternal grandfather was born. She lived in Poland until she was 26 and later moved to Germany.

We invite you to discover our unique artworks as well as products with reproductions of paintings that will bring happiness and positive energy into your life. In our range you will find oil paintings, mugs, cushions and many other products that fit perfectly into your home or office and give it a unique character.

Cultural and historical reasons 🍄

Culture and folklore:

Europe: In many European cultures, the fly agaric is a symbol of luck and magic. It is often depicted as an element of the magical forest in fairy tales, illustrations and children's stories.
Germany: In Germany, this mushroom is particularly popular as a symbol of good luck and is known as the “lucky mushroom”. It is often used in Christmas decorations, especially at New Year's, as a symbol of the coming year.

Colors and aesthetics:

Bright colors: The bright colors of the fly agaric - red hat with white dots - are visually appealing and attract attention. In popular belief, such colors were believed to drive away evil spirits and bring good luck.
Visibility: This mushroom is easy to spot in the forest, which contributed to its popularity as a symbol could have.

Connections to nature and magic:

Magical Symbol: The fly agaric has often been associated with magical practices, divination and rituals. In some cultures it was viewed as a magical plant that could bring visions and insights into supernatural worlds.
Hallucinogenic properties: Although the fly agaric is poisonous, it also has hallucinogenic properties that contribute to its could have contributed to mystical reputation. In some cultures it was used in shamanic rituals to enter a trance.

Protection symbol:

Protection from evil: In some folk beliefs it was believed that the fly agaric protected against evil spirits and misfortune protects, which made it a protective amulet.

The fly agaric (Amanita muscaria) became popular because of its aesthetic appearance, its rich symbolism in European culture, and its connections to magic and mysticism a symbol of happiness. Its bright colors, presence in popular belief, and hallucinogenic properties contributed to its “lucky” status. Although it can be dangerous to consume, the fly agaric's cultural value as a symbol of good luck and protection has endured through the centuries.

Eating the fly agaric 🍄

The fly agaric (Amanita muscaria) is known to be poisonous and hallucinogenic, but there are preparation methods that can reduce its toxicity and allow it to be consumed safely in small quantities.

Fly agaric (Amanita muscaria) theoretically, after appropriate preparation, such as drying and long-term storage, it can be To reduce toxicity, be consumed. Microdosing is one of the methods that can minimize the risk of poisoning. However, due to the potential health risk, special caution should be exercised and an appropriate specialist should be consulted before consuming this mushroom.

Shamanic use of fly agaric 🍄

The fly agaric (Amanita muscaria) has been used by shamans in various cultures worldwide for its psychoactive properties. Here are some cultures where fly agaric played an essential role in shamanic practices:

1. Siberia:

Siberian peoples: Shamans from Siberian tribes such as the Chukchi, Koryaks, Kamchadals and Evenks are on most famous for the use of fly agaric in their rituals.
Intended use: The fly agaric was used by shamans to enter trance states and evoke visions. It was believed to aid in communication with spirits and travel to other worlds. Shamans also used fly agaric in healing and protection rituals.

2. Scandinavia:

Vikings: Although the evidence is more speculative, some historians suggest that Viking warriors (berserkers). may have used fly agaric to put themselves into a rage-like state.
Intended use: It is believed that eating the fly agaric could induce euphoria and fearlessness, which was characteristic of Berserker.

3. North America:

Athabaska Tribe: Some Athabaska tribes in northwestern Canada may have traditions related to the Use of the fly agaric.
Intended use: Similar to Siberia, the fly agaric could have been used to enter visionary states and for ritual purposes.

4. Central Asia:

Uralo-Altaic peoples: In some Uralo-Altaic cultures, such as the Khanty and Mansi, The fly agaric was part of traditional rituals.
Use: The fly agaric was used to enter a trance and communicate with spirits.

Summary 🍄

The fly agaric (Amanita muscaria) played a significant role in various shamanic cultures worldwide, particularly in Siberia, Scandinavia, North America and Central Asia. Its psychoactive properties have been used to induce trance states, induce visions, and for healing and ritual purposes. Although its consumption carries a risk of toxicity, proper preparation and dosage allowed shamans to safely harness its magical properties.

Symbols of happiness🍄 🍀

We invite you to visit our “Lucky Symbols” page, where you will find paintings and products with their reproductions depicting lucky symbols from around the world.

Collection of paintings: "Angels and Lucky Charms" 👼 🍀

This unique series features various figures and symbols that are considered to bring good luck, harmony and prosperity in different cultures around the world. Learn more ->