Kissing under the Mistletoe - Story and history of the famous plant
Have you ever wondered how kissing under the mistleoe has association with the holiday season? This plant has made its way onto TV, songs and movies.
What is a mistletoe?
A mistletoe is a hemiparasitic plant that extracts water and nutrients from host trees. Their seeds gets dispersed through bird droppings to produce white berries in a form of cluster that can weigh up to 50lbs. One way to harvest it is to climb high to collect the clusters, or you can shoot it with a shotgun for afar.
Story
The mistletoe story originates from Norse culture and mythology. God balder was killed by his blind brother Hoor with a mistletoe arrow. His mother Frigg cried tears that turned into berries and vowed that she would kiss anyone under the plant if it’s never to be made into a weapon again. The Mistletoe from then on represents love and peace.
It is also a symbol of fertility as its berries ripens in December while the leaves remain green.
The Tradition
The tradition of hanging the plant dates back to ancient druids, that a man can kiss any woman under a mistletoe, bad luck will fall upon those who refused. After the kiss, the couple should pluck one of the berries from the plant. When the berries are all removed the bough will lose its power to command kisses. During The Victorian english era it was reportedly to deny any marriages where a lady has refused a kiss.
The plant had also earned its place in the household as it meant to carry mystical powers that brings good luck and repel evil spirits.
Fun Fact:
Although mistletoe berries can be consumed by birds, they are highly toxic to humans. Do not eat!
