Mushrooms have been a staple of civilization for as long as men have walked the earth. Humanity has been foraging, preparing, and consuming mushrooms in various forms throughout history, and for a good reason. Our fungal friends have many positive attributes, and we grow our mushrooms and use them for various technological advancements even today. While we’re currently using mushrooms for things like farming technology and even clothing, what’s been the top uses of mushrooms throughout history? As you’ll see, its function hasn’t changed much. Learn more about the various uses of mushrooms below.
For Food
Using edible fungi in our meals is arguably the most common form of mushroom use throughout history. There’s evidence that we’ve been foraging for mushrooms since the Upper Paleolithic era, over 12,000 years ago. We’ve even found edible mushrooms in caves in Spain. Thousands of years ago, European cultures enjoyed oyster mushrooms and chanterelles. In Mexico, we found mushrooms that affected corn crops eaten by Aztec tribes due to their varied and unique flavor palate. Some Asian cultures have long eaten enokis, shiitakes, and beech mushrooms as culinary staples. Today, we use much of the same, frying them up as flavoring and, of course, the main course of our favorite dishes.
For Medicine
Medicinal mushrooms might be a little too “earthy” to eat outright, but they’re still great for your body, and most early civilizations understood this as well as we do. Mushrooms run the gambit regarding medicinal benefits, from their popularity in ancient traditional Chinese medicine practices to their current uses in labs as immune support.
As early as 3300 BCE, scientists discovered a man encased in ice with the Piptoporus betuilnus mushroom in his satchel. Given that this mushroom has strong antiseptic properties, we can only assume he was using it as a salve to help mitigate infection from attacks. Today, people use medicinal mushrooms in powder and pill form to help with everything from the common cold to boosting their antioxidant levels. The future of medicinal mushrooms is certainly bright.
For Enlightenment
Arguably one of its most popular uses, mushrooms have been a central facet of spirituality for thousands of years. Psilocybin was considered the “food of the gods” by ancient Egyptians, and it’s thought that Vikings would use hallucinogenic mushrooms before battle to bolster their morale. There’s even evidence that the Greeks used them in special mystery traditions to bring initiates to enlightenment. While most no longer subscribe to such ideals, consuming hallucinogenic mushrooms is still a way to get in touch with a force much bigger than yourself. These are just a few uses of mushrooms that are as important in history as they are today.
Fat Tuesday and Ash Wednesday sit side by side on the calendar, but they feel very different.
One is full of color, music, and celebration. The other is quiet, simple, and reflective.
Together, they form a powerful transition from feasting to fasting, from Carnival to Lent.
Ramadan 2026 is expected to begin on the evening of February 17, 2026. The first day of fasting will likely fall on February 18. The month will end around March 19, 2026, depending on local moon sightings. These dates may be changed, depending on the country.
A red robin watches a Ramadan family prayer with warmth and wonder.
Ride into the rare Year of the Fire Horse with legends, dragon dances, lucky foods, and a fiery red robin salute to Lunar New Year. The Year of the Fire Horse is one of the most dramatic and culturally charged cycles in the Chinese zodiac. It appears only once every 60 years, and when it does, it ignites stories of passion, rebellion, creativity, and change.
From ancient legends to modern festivals filled with dragon dances and lanterns, the Fire Horse gallops through history
as a symbol of both risk and possibility.
Quick Fire Horse Snapshot:
Rare 60-year cycle • Fiery passion • Bold change • Artistic energy • A time to move, create, and transform.
Fire Horse-inspired lantern art at a Lunar New Year celebration.
As mid-February settles in, Presidents' Day arrives as a welcome pause in the winter season, a moment when
communities across the United States step outdoors for parades, visit historic sites, and reflect on the
leaders who shaped the nation. The holiday blends civic pride with the comfort of a long weekend, creating
a unique mix of celebration, education, and family time.
In 2026, the holiday on February 16th carries added significance as the nation enters its 250th anniversary year,
inspiring expanded programming, special exhibitions, and renewed interest in the country’s founding era.
From record spending to instant downloadable gifts for couples, pets, and families. For late shoppers, these ideas make a great solution for finding meaningful gifts.
Valentine’s Day 2026 is shaping up to be one of the biggest yet. Recent retail surveys show
that total Valentine’s spending is expected to reach record levels, with average budgets per
person climbing close to the $200 mark. Consumers aren’t just buying for romantic
partners anymore; they’re also celebrating kids, pets, friends, and themselves.
At the same time, how people express love is changing. Instead of defaulting to last‑minute
flowers and generic chocolates, many are looking for gifts that feel personal, meaningful,
and easy to deliver, especially when they’ve left things a little late. That’s where
downloadable, print‑at‑home, and digital gifts step into the spotlight.
