The Cap of Liberty: Roman Slavery, Cultural Memory, and Magic Mushrooms
Folklore September 1, 2016 DOI: 10.1080/0015587x.2016.1155371 (opens in new tab) via OpenAlex
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractThe Liberty Cap mushroom (Psilocybe semilanceata), the most common psychedelic fungus in Britain, gets its name from an ancient Roman social practice. The article traces the etymology of this name, resolving long-standing speculation in modern literature about how a magic mushroom came to be called after a symbol of Roman freedom.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Historical analysis Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Keywords | Etymology Magic telescope Mushroom Speculation History |
| Citations | 1 |
| Key finding | Argues that the name Liberty Cap for Psilocybe semilanceata derives from an ancient Roman social practice, providing a conclusive etymology. |
Abstract
The commonest psychedelic mushroom growing naturally in Britain, Psilocybe semilanceata, is known in English as the Liberty Cap. This name, which references an ancient Roman social practice, has caused considerable speculation in modern literature. This article provides a conclusive etymology for how a magic mushroom acquired this obscure name.