Rockland Public Library: "Wild Mushrooms of the Yuletide Season"‏

Rockland, Maine - Thoughts of wild mushrooms bring to mind widely different images and emotions in people.  Some dwell the possibilities of tasty gourmet dinners of Chanterelles or King Boletes foraged from the Maine woods; for others, the risk of poisonous mushrooms and the potential for illness comes first to mind.   The more adventurous sort may imagine the magic mushrooms and a very different toxic experience.  But few people are aware of the deep connection between mushrooms and the Christmas season.

The most frequently illustrated mushroom is the bright red and white Amanita muscaria, the Fly Agaric.  It graces the cover and pages of children’s books, fantasy illustrations and can even be glimpsed dancing across the screen of certain computer games.  In Central Europe, this colorful and distinctive mushroom has long been a symbol of good fortune for the New Year and often adorns decorations during the Christmas season.  Is there a reason that we see Santa as a rotund man garbed in bright red and pristine white; the living image of this Christmas mushroom?   Why do you think Santa is pulled across the sky by flying reindeer?

Join local mushroom expert and author Greg Marley at the Rockland Public Library on Tuesday, December 23 at 6:00 PM as he explores wild edible, medicinal and poisonous mushrooms, reveals the connections of mushrooms to the Yuletide season, and the answers to these vexing seasonal questions.  This talk will be an entertaining blend of fact, fantasy and supposition for all ages.   Greg will have copies of his books available for sale after the presentation.