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Mistletoe
Mistletoe lives as a parasite on trees and shrubs. Although a detriment to the host, it has an important positive effect on the biodiversity of the area. Mistletoe also has medicinal uses. It is most commonly known as a Christmas decoration, and the tradition goes that couples standing under it should kiss.
290 Questions
Why is it derogatory to be called a parasite?
Being called a parasite is derogatory because it implies that the person is leeching off of others without contributing anything in return. It suggests that they are lazy or unproductive, living off the efforts of others. This term is used to criticize someone for being dependent on others for their own benefit.
Do conifers grow in the Philippines?
Yes, some conifers can be found growing in the Philippines, particularly in higher elevation areas with cooler temperatures. These conifers include species like the Benguet pine (Pinus insularis) and the Mount Apo pine (Pinus dalat).
What are the common names of the mistletoe plant?
Mystyldene, all-heal, bird lime, golden bough, and devil's fuge.
What country was hanging the mistletoe created?
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.
What is 'mistletoe' in Spanish?
Vischio is an Italian equivalent of the English word "mistletoe." The masculine singular noun refers to either common or European mistletoe. The pronunciation will be "VEE-skyo" in Italian.
They will eat the berries of the mistletoe plant, but not the mistletoe leaves itself.
Mistle thrushes are known to be very territorial birds and will actually defend mistletoe bushes in their territory from other birds by chasing them away or pecking at them. It is especially common to see in winter, a mistle thrush pecking at the neck or wings of another bird two or three times bigger than itself until the bird flies away from the bushes.
What kind of plant is mistletoe?
Mistletoe is a parasite that grows on trees. Viscum album as it is known grows mostly on apple trees and can be a useful second crop in a orchard.
Are Eugenia berries poisonous?
There are many different species of Eugenia. Some of them are edible and some are not, so it is important to know what species you have. Web search the particular species, or check the Web Link to the left for more information especially on the more edible types.
What would happen if a human ate a mouse's feces?
If a human ingests a mouse's feces, the human might be exposed to rodent-borne pathogens. The person should be tested for Lyme disease, typhus, and salmonella.
What does the tradition say you must do if you stand under the mistletoe?
the traditions say you must kiss under the mistletoe ----
it matters how you useit. just on't hang it somweher you walk yoir self our it's bad
What is the morphology and anatomy of mistletoe leaf?
The parasitic evergreen plant has yellowish flowers; small, yellowish green leaves; and waxy, white berries.
Why do Americans hang mistletoe at Christmas?
Americans hang mistletoe during Christmas as a tradition rooted in ancient customs that symbolize peace, love, and goodwill. The practice originated from ancient Druid and Norse mythology, where mistletoe was believed to have protective properties and foster fertility. In the context of Christmas, it has evolved into a festive custom where people kiss beneath it, promoting feelings of warmth and connection during the holiday season.
If two boys are under a mistletoe would they have to kiss?
No, of course not, unless they just wanted to. Kissing under the mistletoe is a fun tradition. Nobody HAS to kiss anyone.
What is another name for mistletoe?
Mistletoe is the common name for most obligate hemiparasitic plants in the order Santalales
What year did the mistletoe tradition start?
It started centuries ago in Norway, but for modern purposes, Washington Irving first described it in 1820.
Where did Kissing under the mistletoe come from?
The first comes from the Druids living in Britain around 100 A.D. These Druids thought that Mistletoe could perform miracles. They thought that Mistletoe could help cure diseases and protect people from witches. They even thought it could help people and animals have more babies. So the Druids had a special ceremony that would happen in late December or early January. Priests would cut mistletoe out of oak trees and then give the mistletoe to people to hang in their houses so that it would ward off evil spirits.
This probably explains why mistletoe became connected to Christmas -- the time of year is exactly the same. And it explains why people started bringing mistletoe into their houses. But what about kissing?
The whole kissing thing might come from a Viking legend. Around 800 A.D., the Vikings had a mistletoe story they liked to tell. Vikings had a lot of gods (like the Greeks did) and many of their stories involved these gods. One of their gods -- Balder -- was killed with a poison made from mistletoe. His mother -- Frigga -- was able to bring him back to life after three days by reversing the effects of the poison. Once she did that, she kissed everyone who walked under mistletoe because she was so happy to get her son back.
These days, you buy mistletoe in little plastic bags around Christmas time. You hang it in a doorway in your home. If you see someone standing under the mistletoe, you are supposed to kiss him or her. If you want to be proper, the man is supposed to pick one of the berries off the mistletoe after the kiss. It's a fun Christmas tradition!
Can mistletoe be found anywhere?
Mistletoe is primarily found in temperate and subtropical regions around the world, particularly in Europe, North America, and parts of Asia. It typically grows on a variety of host trees, such as oak, apple, and pine. While it can thrive in many areas, its distribution is limited by climate and the availability of suitable host plants. Therefore, it is not found everywhere but rather in specific ecological niches.
