The Cap of Liberty: Roman Slavery, Cultural Memory, and Magic Mushrooms

TitleThe Cap of Liberty: Roman Slavery, Cultural Memory, and Magic Mushrooms
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2016
AuthorsAdrastos Omissi
JournalFolklore
Volume127
Issue3
Pagination270-285
ISSN0015587X
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.

DOI10.1080/0015587X.2016.1155371
Short TitleThe Cap of Liberty