Where do people kiss under the mistletoe?
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, which to them represented peace.
What do you do underneath a mistletoe?
One of the perhaps more unusual traditions that many people do at Christmas is to hang a bunch of mistletoe in their house. The idea is that if you meet someone underneath it, you have to give them a kiss!
Why should you kiss under mistletoe?
The origins of kissing under the mistletoe, a plant that often bears white berries, are often traced to a tale in Norse mythology about the god Baldur. In many tellings, Frigg declares the mistletoe to be a symbol of love after her son’s death and promises to kiss anyone who passed underneath it.
Can you transplant mistletoe?
The mistletoe will need to be moved to a host plant to grow on, but rooting can be sporadic. No matter how you do plant, fruiting may take four to six years from germination. Make a cut in a host tree’s bark for transplant. Seedlings are ready for transplant when they have several true leaves.
What are the rules for kissing under the mistletoe?
12 Rules of Mistletoe Scope It Out. One sure way of not getting caught under the mistletoe is to scope out a place when first entering. Be Brave. If you are caught standing under the mistletoe it is customary to accept a kiss from the person nearest to you. Keep It Clean.
What should you do if you get caught under the mistletoe?
Be Brave. If you are caught standing under the mistletoe it is customary to accept a kiss from the person nearest to you. Try not to be a spoilsport. You are NOT obligated, however, to kiss everyone in the room.
How did the mistletoe come to be used for Christmas?
Although mistletoe closely ties with Christmas, it stems from both Norse mythology as well as Greek and Roman medicine. The Greeks used mistletoe to cure everything from cramps to spleen issues, while the Romans turned the plant into a balm for ulcers, according to History.com.
Why did Frigg decide to plant a kiss under mistletoe?
According to one sunnier version of the myth, the gods were able to resurrect Baldur from the dead. Delighted, Frigg then declared mistletoe a symbol of love and vowed to plant a kiss on all those who passed beneath it.