Though it seems to be from the same era as the 4-armed swami, I have a feeling the backgrounds in this Sesame Street alphabet were not inspired by artfully printed, 19th century design pattern sourcebooks.
Sesame Street - Psychedelic Alphabet, uploaded by OG mstatz [youtube]
Funny, I remember that short, and I recall it kind of creeping me out. Still does.
Wow - that really is creepy. I don't remember that one growing up and although I had many disturbing influences in my childhood, thankfully that was not among them.
So. Very. Messed Up. And not just the backgrounds; the voice and music too. It was DELIBERATELY disturbing :}
And that's why I am the way I am.