Persistent ritualistic hemp fiber use in Eurasia

Ritualistic use of hemp (Cannabis) fiber use in a variety of regions of Eurasia has or did persist for many centuries after psychoactive use was suppressed and/or forgotten. An extensive historical review of the literature provides evidence of this widespread phenomenon reflecting ancient shamanistic relationships with multipurpose Cannabis. Hemp is linked with shamanism because Cannabis can be psychoactive and served as a valuable ally in vision and spirit quests, a linkage now manifested in the ritual use by shamans of hemp rope and cloth bridges as passageways for the spirits across much of Eurasia. Throughout the continent, we find widespread belief in the magical powers of Cannabis for healing, protection and purification. However, the level of ritualized respect for Cannabis varies, from the low status of rough hempen sackcloth mourning costumes as an expression of grief and guilt in China to the highest Shintō reverence for hemp fiber’s natural origins and purity in Japan.