As we move into December and holiday traditions are everywhere, I keep coming back to a thought. In the days of Me Too and COVID, is kissing under the Mistletoe still a welcomed tradition?
A little research on the history of Mistletoe reveals it has quite the past.
Mistletoe is an evergreen that keeps its leaves and color after deciduous trees lose their leaves. Because of this, centuries ago, it was thought to have magical powers. In early history Mistletoe symbolized male fertility and vitality.
By the Middle Ages, these magical powers translated into good luck charms and springs of Mistletoe were hung above cottage doors to ward off evil spirits and barn doors to protect livestock.
It was in the 1800s, maybe even earlier, that Mistletoe became part of Christmas traditions. Perhaps kissing under the Mistletoe evolved from the thoughts of vitality.
The European Mistletoe (Viscum alum) is what we think of as the Christmas mistletoe. It grows as clumps on host trees and bushes and attaches to them, drawing water and nutrients. As a parasitic plant, it can damage the host plant.
There is also American mistletoe (Phoradendron leucarpum) the most common species is North America. It is often found growing in hardwood species including oak, maple, aspen, ash, walnut, poplar, and elm. As it grows it will form large clumps or spheres hanging from the tree. Without pruning these balls can grow quite large.
The pretty white berries provide food for birds but are toxic for humans and other animals.
Bringing it back to kissing, part of the legend was to remove a berry after each kiss, and when the berries were gone, so was the magic. It was thought to be bad luck for a lady to refuse a gentleman’s mistletoe kiss. Depending on the fellow, I bet the ladies removed a few extra berries to avoid kisses.
Unwanted kisses are unacceptable. But a friendly peck on the cheek by someone you know or want to know is a tradition I hope stays around. After an informal poll – a text to friends and family – I think most people enjoy the Christmas tradition. Ihave a neighbor who has Mistletoe hanging in her kitchen year-round – this brings a whole new meaning to “kiss the cook.”
I don’t remember ever seeing Mistletoe growing in the wild and rarely see the springs at Christmas markets. This is not a plant most gardeners want as part of their landscape.
This is one of the few times I endorse buying artificial. It’s much safer, no one wants toxic berries falling near children and pets. Plus, think of all the fun places you can hang your Mistletoe.
I love puppy kisses, toddler kisses, and sweet tender goodnight kisses. Who needs a poisonous ball of berries to encourage those? Me. I love the tradition and despite what society and science say about germs I hope this is one Christmas tradition that carries on for centuries to come.