When you hear of Mistletoe, you probably think of the Christmas phrase "meet me under the Mistletoe". But what exactly is Mistletoe and how did it earn its spot as a Christmas tradition?
What is Mistletoe?
Mistletoe is an evergreene parasite; mostly affecting maple, gum, ash, and oak trees in the Delmarva region. The Mistletoe will extract water and nutrients from its host tree. At times, the infection can be so severe that the host tree will need to be cut down. Mistletoe grows in ball-like clumps with leathery leaves, up to 5 feet wide and weigh 50 pounds. In the winter, it is easier to spot the parasite due to the trees dropping their leaves.
Does parasite mean poisonous?
As with everything in nature, this parasite has it's place in the cycle of life. Birds, butterflies, rabbits and deer will eat it, and the leaf litter of Mistletoe breaks down more quickly than other plant litter, and improves soil nutrients. Surprisingly, oak trees that have more Mistletoe clumps, will produce more acorns.
However, to humans, all parts of the plant are toxic: berries, stems and leaves. The Mistletoe plant contains the Phoratoxin and Viscotoxin proteins which are both poisonous when ingested.
How does a tree become infected?
Mistletoe often appears on a branch where birds left droppings containing mistletoe berry seeds. The seeds are sticky, and may also be transferred by mammals that nest in trees, such as squirrels.
What is the history of Mistletoe and how did it become a Christmas tradition?
Ancient groups used Mistletoe decoratively as a sign of fertility and life, perhaps because it remained green though its host tree had dropped its leaves. Some groups even thought of it to be an aphrodisiac. The Celtic Druids believed Mistletoe to have sacred powers including the ability to heal illnesses, protect against nightmares, and even predict the future. They would collect it during the summer and winter solstices (around the Christmas time of year), but not in regards to the Christian holiday.
Kissing under the Mistletoe started in ancient Greece, during their festival of Saturnalia, ane evetually adopted into marriage ceremonies. Enemies at war would reconcile their differences under the Mistletoe, which to them represented peace. Romans also decorated their houses and temples with Mistletoe in midwinter to please their gods.
There is also a Nordic myth concerning Mistletoe. The plant was sacred to Frigga, (the goddess of love). When Loki (known as the god of mischief), wounded Frigga's son with a spear, Frigga revived her son under the Mistletoe tree and decreed that anyone who stands under the mistletoe tree deserves not only protection from death, but also a kiss.
The kissing tradition as it is today began in the 1700's in England. The tradition was popular amoung the lower servant class, but by the turn of the next century, in the 1800's, it had spread throughout the whole of England and United States regardless of wealth status. However, even then, kissing under the mistletoe was serious business. If a girl refused a kiss, she shouldn't expect any marriage proposals for at least a year, and many people publically shamed the woman, remarking that she would most likely end up an old maid.
Today, we are far more lighthearted in regards to this tradition (and many others). With fun phrases such as "candy cane wishes and mistletoe kisses" to songs of "I saw mommy kissing Santa Clause", we pay homage to the ancient traditions of our ancestors, while making it fun - in true Christmas spirit of bringing joy.
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