Funguary Feb 25 - Cryptic Stinkhorn - Clathrus archeri

Clathrus archeri, var. Mari.Lwyd is a rare form of european stinkhorn commonly found in Wales. It can reach up to ninety centimeters in total height, from generative organ to the tips of it's tentacles.

The tentacles exude a syrupy liquid commonly understood to have beer-like properties, designed to attract various insects and mollusks that then become drunk, and die near the fungus. This ensures it has plenty of nutrients to eventually grow more fungal matter under the skull and lever it to the top.

Once exposed, the skull will weather and develop a cloak-like veil, enabling it to be used as the basis of a Mari Lwyd costume. However, if not given regular alcoholic application, the fungus will deliquesce and collapse.

ew gross

This makes my cold, black heart rather happy to think about. Coming from a German/Norwegian family I learned about these when I was but a child... 

Happy Krampusnacht, kids! Hope you've all been good!

This Mari Lwyd wants to carol it's way into your hot chocolate before the cold creeps away and spring comes calling

MYSTICAL MARI LWYD One of a kind dual headed Mari Lwyd in celestial gown with leather ears, sun and moon, beaded details, hand embroidered spiral and handpainted faces. www.xphaiea.bigcartel.com ••• #xphaiea #marilwyd #welsh #wales #welshfolklore #folkcustom #witchesofinstagram #folklore #britishfolklore #witch #witches #esoteric #occult #pagansofinstagram #magic #mythandlegend #artdoll #artdolls #ooak #goblincore #fantasy #horse #horseskull #folktales https://www.instagram.com/p/Cnml2mXrR67/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Mari Lwyd for the holiday season !

My first Defod Alban Arthan/Winter Solstice Ritual it was a fantastic experience! Also so lovely to meet everyone irl 🥰 - #marilwyd #marimon #ynysmôn https://www.instagram.com/p/CmUaFhrN_9y/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

One of my favorite #Christmas creatures, the #MariLwyd!! 🐴🎗️💀🍺🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 #yule #saturnalia #yuleishveryyuleish #festiveasfuck #horse #ghost #skull #creepy #spooky #december #lateautumn #night #terrorverse #lateautumnnights (at The Terrorverse) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cl5Kc_DO7cH/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

#YuleISSpookySeason #krampus #yuletide #merryyule #merrychristmas #MariLwyd https://www.instagram.com/p/Clp6J2NMHKH/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Here comes Mari Lwyd! He is ready for Dec 4th KrampusNacht event from 4-9pm at the LHUCA Icehouse. Man I do love making ink drawings. I know it's weird to say but the smell of ink on paper is wonderful! #marilwyd #christmasart #inkdrawing #illustrationartist #illustration #drawing #creatureart #katpowellartist https://www.instagram.com/p/ClkJOh2OITg/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Happy Solstice everyone! Enjoy a few Yuletide characters from a few years ago! . . . #digitalart #drawing #art #illustration #digitalartist #comics #makecomics #comicart #indiecomics #artistsoninstagram #sketchbook #ipadpro #fantasy #fantasyart #characterdesign #wintersolstice #perenoel🎅 #marilwyd #belshnickel #yule #yuletide https://www.instagram.com/p/CmdR58KMPYU/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Thinking about Welsh yuletide rap-battling skeleton horses again. Always happens on the first snowfall of the season.

Wishing you all a very scary merry Yule, and / or happy holidays, or just have a nice day.

Just got some Yule/Christmas cards in from Redbubble! The card on the right is actually based on the Welsh tradition of the Mari Lwyd, one of several “wassailing spirit” figures throughout Britain, believed to be a prechristian cultural practice that has managed to survive. This design is by nompanda, but I couldn’t find a instagram or tumblr presence for them! The design on the left is by @wolfskulljack_art and is admittedly, just the kind of spooky winter vibe I love. #yule #christmas #cards #holiday #snailmail #marilwyd #winter #pagan #neopagan https://www.instagram.com/p/Cki1cHYuA5I/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=