The sight of mistletoe may either send you scurrying or, if you have your eye on someone, awaiting an opportunity beneath its snow-white berries. But how did the festive tradition of kissing under mistletoe come about? Carlos Reif explains how this long-lived custom intertwines the mythology and biology of this intriguing plant.
Why Do We Kiss Under the Mistletoe?
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I dove into Norse mythology late last year and never quite left (actually was the inspiration of my latest tattoo). The story of Baldur is one that never quite gets old, and you learn a new message each time. Though we never have mistletoe with our tree, it’s always symbolic when we do see it… I guess it goes to show that even the most random things do have an explanation, even if you have to wade through thousands of years to find it.
Dear Carlos that really is an eye opener. I guess not many folk including myself realize that mistletoe has such a history and effect on humanity. It was/is seen as possessing some form of influence on bonding two people in love.
Really fascinating.
Simon