If You See a Mushroom on a Christmas Tree, Here’s What It Means (2024)

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Updated: Feb. 15, 2024

    If You See a Mushroom on a Christmas Tree, Here’s What It Means (2)PhotoAlto/Michele Constantini/Getty Images

    The Christmas mushroom could be your new good luck charm! Learn how this fungus made its way into Christmastime.

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    You’re probably familiar with the Christmas pickle tradition: On Christmas Eve, someone hides a pickle ornament on the tree. Whoever is the first to find it is believed to either receive an extra gift from St. Nicholas in the morning (if a child finds it) or have good luck for the coming year (if an adult finds it). But it turns out pickles aren’t the only accessories that bring good fortune: The Christmas mushroom may have equally positive powers. Curious? We were, too!

    What Is a Christmas Mushroom?

    If You See a Mushroom on a Christmas Tree, Here’s What It Means (3)Sandra Schmid/Getti Image

    Known in German as glücklicher pilz or gluckspilz (which literally means “lucky mushroom”), the red-and-white speckled fungi grow deep in the forest. Its real name is Amanita muscaria or fly agaric, and finding one is thought to be a sign of good luck, similar to the way the Irish view four-leaf clovers. That’s because the roots of this specific mushroom can only grow in the root zones of certain types of trees, which happen to be those we generally think of as Christmas trees.

    The mushrooms are also common around the holiday season because that tends to be when mushrooms are foraged in the wild. These days, most of us buy mushrooms at grocery stores rather than foraging for them. But the tradition of gifting mushrooms and mushroom imagery has stuck around, especially for those of German, Austrian or Slavic descent who still exchange the pretty red-and-white fungi at Christmastime (often in the form of cards or other trinkets).

    What’s Its Tie to Christmas?

    Besides being found at the base of pine trees, there’s another reason this particular fungus has been dubbed the Christmas mushroom: It’s a favorite food of reindeer! In fact, Santa’s favorite animal loves the mushroom so much that reindeer herders use bags of it to keep them together and avoid losing any strays.

    While the Germans may have hung the dried mushrooms on their trees more for luck than decoration, we can’t help but notice the similarities between the fly agaric and modern Christmas decor. They’re both bright and cheery and prominently feature reds and whites. Plus, the firetruck-red cap of the fly agaric stands out on brown forest floors just like Rudolph’s red nose sticks out in the night sky!

    Christmas Mushroom Decoration Ideas

    If You See a Mushroom on a Christmas Tree, Here’s What It Means (4)oxygen/Getty Images

    Since this particular red and white mushroom is poisonous to eat, we don’t recommend hanging a real one on your tree. Instead, there are plenty of adorable mushroom ornaments out there. You can hang them on your tree, incorporate them into the wreath hanging on your door or even make them part of your holiday centerpiece. There are lots of easy ways to bring a bit of luck to your holiday the mushroom way. Discover more unique mushroom decor for your home. Plus, experience some mushroom decor inspo at the new Toadstool Cafe.

    Originally Published: November 23, 2020

    Author

    Amanda Tarlton

    As both a freelance food and lifestyle writer and executive editor of commerce for a national fishing, hunting and outdoors magazine, Amanda spends most of her time creating a range of content. In those (rare) moments when she's not at her desk typing furiously, she's likely teaching a hot yoga class, reading the latest chick-lit or baking a batch ...

    If You See a Mushroom on a Christmas Tree, Here’s What It Means (8)

    Author

    Lisa Kaminski

    Lisa is a former editor of Taste of Home and a fantastic baker. During her tenure, she poured her love of all things sweet (and sometimes savory) into Taste of Home’s Bakeable community. She also tested ingredients and kitchen gear. Today, Lisa continues to share her passion for baking and embroidery on her blog Cabin in the City.

    If You See a Mushroom on a Christmas Tree, Here’s What It Means (2024)

    FAQs

    If You See a Mushroom on a Christmas Tree, Here’s What It Means? ›

    Its real name is Amanita muscaria or fly agaric, and finding one is thought to be a sign of good luck, similar to the way the Irish view four-leaf clovers.

    What does the mushroom on the Christmas tree mean? ›

    In the German and other European cultures, the mushroom is seen as a good-luck symbol - Glückpilz (Lucky Mushroom - colloquial "Lucky Duck, Dog, Devil, etc.") - and is "The Mushroom" of Christmas and the New Year, especially as a symbol of a blessing at the turn of the New Year.

    What does a mushroom have to do with Christmas? ›

    In fact, the mushrooms' traditional use as an entheogen (a psychoactive substance used for religious or spiritual purposes) throughout Eurasia is well documented and has been hypothesized to be responsible for key aspects of our modern Christmas tradition, including ornaments, flying reindeer, and even Santa Claus ...

    Is a mushroom a symbol of luck? ›

    Tiny, hand blown glass mushroom – a traditional symbol of good luck, mushrooms have long been given to family and friends at the turn of the year as a symbol of good luck in the coming year. They also represent strong relationships and resilience.

    What is considered lucky to find on a Christmas tree? ›

    Acorns have long been considered good luck symbols. They also represent the rebirth of life, which is where we get the old saying: "from little acorns come mighty oaks." Celebrate life and good luck by hanging this glass acorn ornament on your tree!

    What is the story of the Christmas mushroom? ›

    The story goes like this: Once upon a time, Sámi shamans collected and dried Amanita muscaria—the red-with-white-spots psychedelic mushrooms commonly known as fly agaric—then on winter solstice, gave them as gifts through the openings in the ceiling of the huts in the village (since the doors were snowed shut).

    What is the Christmas mushroom trend? ›

    The lucky mushroom combines folklore and Christmas together. Not only do these mushrooms grow at the base of Christmas trees in the wild, they are also favorite food of reindeers. There is some folklore surrounding the reindeer eating the hallucinogenic mushrooms and then flying and pulling Santa's sleigh.

    What does a mushroom symbolize? ›

    The Symbolism of Mushrooms:

    They are often associated with spiritual growth, enlightenment, and rebirth. The mushroom's life cycle, with its ability to emerge from darkness and decay, represents the cyclical nature of life, death, and transformation.

    What does the mushroom mean as a gift? ›

    Mushrooms represent rebirth, recycling, and transformation during times of darkness and stillness. A favorite in fantasy worlds where fairies and mythical creatures abound, you may recognize the red and white spotted toadstool, a symbol of good luck.

    What do mushroom decorations mean? ›

    “I believe [its popularity] has something to do with the mushroom being a symbol of happiness and health,” he says. “Their images just make you feel good. Like how a flower makes you feel.” Mushrooms are a harbinger of comfort and coziness, something we've all been craving over the past few years.

    What is a mushroom totem? ›

    As the name implies, the totem method involves vertically stacking short sections of logs on top of each other with a layer of mushroom spawn beneath the stack, between each section, and on top of the stack.

    What is the spiritual meaning of mushroom in a dream? ›

    This dream can also elicit a sense of growth and transformation, as mushrooms symbolize new beginnings and the potential for personal development. Additionally, the dream of mushrooms may evoke a sense of nourishment and abundance, as they are often seen as a source of sustenance in nature.

    Which animals symbolize wealth? ›

    Playing on the power concept, longhorns are also known as a symbol of abundance and wealth.

    What is the mushroom in the Christmas tree? ›

    A mushroom ornament on your Christmas tree symbolizes a reverence for nature and the hope for good fortune in the coming year.

    What do you put on a Christmas tree for good luck? ›

    In the tradition, an ornamental pickle is placed on a Christmas tree as one of the Christmas decorations. On Christmas morning, the first person to find the pickle on the tree would receive an extra present from Santa Claus or would be said to have a year of good fortune.

    What is the Christmas tree rule? ›

    Tradition dictates that Christmas trees should be put up at the beginning of Advent, which begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas. This year, Advent begins on Sunday 3rd December 2023.

    What does the mushroom symbol mean? ›

    Mushrooms have always held a sense of mystique and fascination in various cultures. Their rapid growth, unique shapes, and ability to emerge seemingly overnight have made them symbols of transformation and rebirth.

    What does the fairy on the Christmas tree mean? ›

    Fairy Means Fertility

    In that tradition, fairies are believed to live inside trees and bushes. They're not only good for your health — they can help you get pregnant! The reason why we put fairies on top of Christmas trees is that they represent “happiness on earth.”

    What does the acorn on the Christmas tree mean? ›

    The oak tree was sacred to ancient Germans, representing strength and good luck. Many early German Christmas trees were adorned with acorn ornaments to symbolize the little acorn becoming the mighty oak. Put one on your Christmas tree ($11) for a lucky year and bake our Mocha Yule Log cake for a sweet take on the oak.

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