Kissing Under the Mistletoe - the History of Mistletoe and the Mistletoe Plant

Print View
Total views: 126

Kissing under the mistletoe is as much of a part of Christmas tradition as eggnog, Christmas trees and caroling. However, few people in areas where mistletoe does not grow know much about how the plant grows, and even fewer know where the tradition of kissing under the mistletoe originated.

Mistletoe is a unique and interesting plant with thick, leather-like leaves and bright white berries. Part of what makes mistletoe unusual is that it is at least partially parasitic, growing on trees and shrubs and taking nutrients from the bark of the host tree. The mistletoe sends its roots into the bark of the host tree and then extracts the nutrients that it needs to live. In the process it can either damage or even kill the host tree over time.

Unlike many parasitic plants mistletoe can also survive on its own without a host. However, most often it is at least partially parasitic and uses a host plant for its nutrients. Most gardeners and landscapers work to get rid of mistletoe if it has invaded their yards in order to safeguard the health of their other trees and shrubs.

Mistletoe also is used by herbalist for treating some respiratory and circulatory problems. Recently there was some talk of it being used toward treating cancer, although there is much debate about whether it actually does any good or not.

Mistletoe has meant various things to different cultures throughout history. Many cultures regarded mistletoe as a symbol of fertility and an aphrodisiac which partially explains the act of kissing under the mistletoe. During the Middle Ages mistletoe was hung from the ceilings of houses to ward off evil spirits or laid across doorways to keep the spirits or witches from entering the home.

One of the most famous mythological associations of mistletoe comes from Norse mythology where the god Baldur was killed by a spear made of mistletoe. When he was eventually returned to life the goddess Frigga (his mother) declared that mistletoe was to become sacred and that it could only be used to bring love into the world and not death.

One part of the original tradition of kissing under the mistletoe that has disappeared in modern times is that of plucking a berry off the mistletoe every time someone is kissed under it. In the past when people kissed under the mistletoe they were to pluck one of the white berries off of the plant. When the berries were gone so were the kisses. In modern times, however, people kiss under the mistletoe regardless of whether or not it has berries and the tradition of plucking a berry from the mistletoe with each kiss is rarely observed.

If you do have mistletoe in your house this Christmas it is important to know that the leaves and berries of the mistletoe plant are poisonous and should be kept away from young children and pets. Most importantly, have fun planting a romantic kiss on your sweetie under a pretty parasitic plant this holiday season!