Mistletoe

When thinking of Christmas customs many people's thoughts turn to the common tradition of hanging mistletoe over doorways. Christmas mistletoe is a parasitic plant that can grow on its own, or attaches to the branches or trucks of many trees. Its roots dig into the host tree and steals nutrients. The mistletoe used for decoration comes from North America.

The history of mistletoe dates back to the time of the Celtic druids. Wonder how did the druids use mistletoe? They believed the mistletoe plant held magical powers that cured illness and helped against poisons. It was also thought to aid fertility.

Angle Saxons believed mistletoe represented how life could spring from dung, since mistletoe seemed to grow on trees wherever a bird left its droppings.

Another version from Norse mythology, tells how after Loki used it to kill her son, the goddess, Frigga, made the mistletoe plant a symbol of love when her son was brought back to life. Because of this happy ending, Frigga promised to bestow a kiss upon anyone who paused beneath mistletoe, the plant.

Other mistletoe uses included hanging over doors to keep away evil spirits, and to prevent witches from entering homes and stables. Some countries believed that if an enemy passed under the plant they must come to an agreement for peace.

The Greek festival, Saturnalia, gives an early example of people kissing under the mistletoe. Later, they hung mistletoe during marriage rites.

Florists offer fresh mistletoe during the holiday season. Also buy mistletoe at supermarkets and tree farms. Internet websites with plant information also include mistletoe pictures. Use caution when bringing mistletoe into the home. The plant is poisonous when eaten. Keep it high from curious pets and children.

Want to carry on the mistletoe tradition, but finding it difficult to find fresh mistletoe? Craft stores sell fake mistletoe made from plastic. Creative souls fashion a mistletoe hat from felt and faux mistletoe flowers.

Many Internet sites host mistletoe clip art and pictures of mistletoe for personal use. For those unable to see their love ones this time of year, send a mistletoe ecard, or web card. One such card tells the receiver to "kiss (er click) here" on a set of lips. Once clicked, a photo of a monkey with giant lips appears. Play mistletoe games online where the object is to kiss as many figures that move across the screen, but watch out for the Grinch, or game's over.