Mistletoe is scientifically categorized as a parasite. So why did the kissing tradition begin? What made this parasitic and poisonous plant so alluring for lovers?
The word mistletoe was derived from the Anglo Saxon words “mistle” (which means dung) and “tan” (meaning twig). That’s because mistletoe is transferred by birds who eat berries from one mistletoe plant and subsequently drop seeds onto another tree where a new plant will grow. Not so romantic, is it?
There are various theories on how the ancient kissing tradition began but one of the more popular beliefs is said to date back to Norse mythology. It is said that Frigg, a goddess, bore a son named Baldr. To protect her son, Frigg ensured that all plants would be unable to harm him. But with all of her efforts, Frigg missed mistletoe. One day, a god known for mischief persuaded another god to kill Baldr with a spear made of mistletoe. Saddened, the protective mother had Baldr brought back to life and declared that from then on mistletoe would only bring love to the world.
It’s also been said that Celtic Druids believed mistletoe was a natural healer. Because the evergreen parasite thrives in the winter the druids saw the plant as a bearer of fertility, a protector against nightmares and a healer of illnesses. Druids were said to have collected mistletoe around the winter solstice–which happens to be only a few days prior to Christmas–to use throughout the season many of us refer to as Christmastime.
By the 18th century, our beloved mistletoe traditions in some form had begun. Mistletoe was hung in doorways for lovers to steal a kiss for good fortune with their love and fertility. Some say this more modernized lore began in Greece. Others state it began in Britain. Most agree to generalize that it began somewhere in Europe and later came to North America.
No matter where the tradition began, just remember it’s bad luck to refuse a kiss. So pucker up!