Mistletoe

Photo credit: sparklingstrawberry.com

By: Julianna Nuzzo

The Mistletoe was founded in the 1st century A.D. The representation of mistletoe is representing romance, fertility, and vitality. Because nothing says love like bird feces and poison. Kissing under the mistletoe is a huge tradition of Christmas. The origins of kissing under the mistletoe, a plant that often bears white berries, are often traced to a tale in Norse mythology about the god Baldur. In many tellings, Frigg declares the mistletoe to be a symbol of love after her son's death and promises to kiss anyone who passed underneath it. If you don’t kiss under a mistletoe, it’s considered bad luck. Most wonder what does the mistletoe symbolize? Mistletoe is one of the four plants traditionally adopted by Christians in order to celebrate Christmas. Its evergreen leaves indeed symbolize 'life that does not die'.

Who discovered Mistletoes? Celtic Druids was the one who discovered mistletoes. “The plant's romantic overtones most likely started with the Celtic Druids of the 1st century A.D. Because mistletoe could blossom even during the frozen winter, the Druids came to view it as a sacred symbol of vivacity, and they administered it to humans and animals alike in the hope of restoring fertility.” The reason it is so popular during the holiday season is because it is about spreading love.

What is your opinion on mistletoes and their tradition? Riya Singh says “Personally I think mistletoes have kind of always been a significant part of Christmas traditions, however, it doesn’t really hold the same relevance today. I feel it’s not really something most people, including me, integrate into their celebrations today.”

What do you think the meaning of the mistletoe is and do you think it is bad luck if you do not kiss under it? I don’t think you’ll receive bad luck or anything terrible of some nature if you do not kiss under the mistletoe. I feel like the meaning of kissing under the mistletoe is a classic and even cheesy thing. A simple peck on the cheek or forehead shows your love and affection for whoever you have under the mistletoe with you! You’ll obviously want to make sure the other person is okay with that sort of affection, but I see it as a classic way to show how much you care for someone during this time of year!