Where did the tradition of hanging mistletoe originate?

Where did the tradition of hanging mistletoe originate?

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.

What is the history behind mistletoe?

In the Norse culture, the Mistletoe plant was a sign of love and peace. The story goes that the goddess, Figg lost her son, the god Baldur, to an arrow made of mistletoe. After his death, she vowed that Mistletoe would kiss anyone who passed beneath so long as it was never again used as a weapon.

Why do we have mistletoe at Christmas?

Where does the Christmas tradition of mistletoe come from? The tradition of hanging mistletoe dates back to the ancient Druids who believed the plant brought good luck and helped protect against evil spirits. The ancient Greeks used mistletoe for medicine as a pain reliever and for conditions such as ulcers.

Why do couples kiss under the mistletoe?

One of the more common meanings is that mistletoe is seen as a symbol of fertility and life – and that this could be why we kiss underneath it. In winter, when all the trees are bare and many plants have died away, mistletoe stays green and you can still see it growing around tree branches quite happily.

Does mistletoe mean poop on a stick?

Ancient observations of the poop-on-a-stick origins of the plant led to its name “mistletoe,” or mistiltan in Old English, derived from the Anglo-Saxon words mistel, meaning “dung,” and tan, meaning “twig.” Mistletoe has been part of European winter traditions since long before the first Christmas.

How do you kiss under the mistletoe?

Acknowledge the Mistletoe Basically, just make sure you give a nod to it before going in for a kiss. “Don’t assume they’re aware of the mistletoe, or even the tradition,” says Singlemann. “Be sure to point it out, and express, ‘You know tradition says we’re supposed to kiss if we’re under a mistletoe…'”

What should you remove after kissing under the mistletoe?

According to the tradition, it’s bad luck to refuse a kiss beneath the mistletoe. After the kiss, the couple is to pluck one of the berries from the plant. Once all the berries are gone, the bough no longer has the power to command kisses.

How did mistletoe become a Christmas tradition?

Mistletoe was long regarded as both a sexual symbol and the “soul” of the oak. It was gathered at both mid-summer and winter solstices, and the custom of using mistletoe to decorate houses at Christmas is a survival of the Druid and other pre-Christian traditions. The Greeks also thought that it had mystical powers…

England: Ancient druids began the tradition of hanging mistletoe in homes as a way to bring good luck into the home and ward off evil spirits. In Norse mythology, mistletoe was a symbol of love and friendship. It was in England that the custom of kissing under the mistletoe began.

Do you know the true meaning of mistletoe?

Mistletoe is a plant that grows on range of trees including willow, apple and oak trees. The tradition of hanging it in the house goes back to the times of the ancient Druids. It is supposed to possess mystical powers which bring good luck to the household and wards off evil spirits .

Where did the tradition of kissing under the mistletoe start?

The tradition of kissing under the mistletoe started in ancient Greece, during the festival of Saturnalia and later in marriage ceremonies, because of the plant’s association with fertility. During the Roman era, enemies at war would reconcile their differences under the mistletoe,…