Yule Lore: Siberian Shapeshifting Witches

In partnership with Rochester Brainery, explore the symbolism of the traditional red-and-white-themed Christmas against the backdrop of traditional Siberian lore. Early myth surrounding the Yule season involved use of the amanita mushroom, with its iconic red and white cap as a tool for female shamans around the time of Yule to engage in “flight.” This also set the foundation for the now familiar red and white garb of Father Christmas, following a shift in the narrative from female-associated shapeshifting to paternal male associations.