when you hang it any two people that are under it have to kiss
It was said to have had magical power by the Celtic and Teutonic peoples.
According to Christmas custom, any two people who meet under a hanging of mistletoe are obliged to kiss. The custom may be of Scandinavian origin.[16] It was described as early as 1820 by Washington Irving in his "The Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon"
The custom of hanging up mistletoe is said to stem from the ancient Druid tradition of laying down arms and exchanging greetings when under the mistletoe. The custom of kissing under the mistletoe is attributed to the English, who, after every kiss, plucked a berry from the bunch and discarded it. When the berries were gone, tradition called for the kissing to stop.
Kiss under the mistletoe Eating Christmas pudding Baking mince pies Hanging out stockings Christmas crackers Writing to Father Christmas Postal Workers strike (!)
Mistletoe is traditionally associated with Christmas and winter festivities due to its ancient symbolism of love and peace. Its origins trace back to various cultures, where it was believed to have mystical properties, including protection against evil spirits and promoting fertility. The custom of hanging mistletoe and kissing beneath it likely stems from ancient rituals celebrating love and friendship. Today, it serves as a festive decoration and a symbol of holiday cheer.
Ireland revived the practice of kissing under the mistletoe.
After kissing under mistletoe, you would traditionally pick one berry from the plant.
The tradition began in England. The mistletoe was considered magical in that it remained green all through the winter. The druids considered it sacred and would never allow it to touch the ground.
Ecologically, mistletoe plays an important role in enhancing diversity in an ecosystem as well as provide a means for distribution of pollen.Culturally, mistletoe has significance in Christmas as well as Druidic and Nordic mythology. The former is the custom of kissing under the mistletoe, the origin of which is from Druidic customs of using mistletoe to ward off evil. It was also said that Loki killed Balder with an arrow made of mistletoe, because that was the one plant Frigga had not asked to never harm her son.
Kissing under the mistletoe has roots in ancient traditions, particularly among the Celts and Scandinavians, but it became popularized in the context of Christmas in the 18th century. The practice was notably documented in England during the Victorian era, where it became a custom for people to kiss under the mistletoe as a symbol of goodwill and romance. Over time, this tradition evolved and solidified into the festive custom we recognize today.
At X-mas, I'd always look above me for the MISTLETOE because i didn't wanna you-know-wat yet
The magic of mistletoe typically lasts throughout the holiday season, particularly around Christmas and New Year's, when it is traditionally hung as a decoration. The custom of kissing under mistletoe symbolizes love and goodwill, but the enchantment often fades as the decorations are taken down after the holidays. In a broader sense, the spirit of mistletoe can linger in the memories and traditions shared with loved ones.