Although this is not the same in all countries, the tradition kiss under the mistletoe This is increasingly common at Christmas. Other times, holly or other Christmas plants are used, but course of action It’s always the same. The twig is placed high, usually on the door frame, and whoever kisses it will find good luck in love. In some cases, it is said that if someone refuses to do this, he will not get married next year and bad luck will befall him. It is important to emphasize here that traditions do not have to be strictly observed and that in order to kiss someone under the mistletoe or anywhere else, their consent is required. Without superstitious compulsion.
However, the story of the kiss under the mistletoe is quite interesting. Its origin is associated with several legends from different cultures and antiquity, as well as with the biological reality of this plant.
And mistletoe (Viskum album) represents semiparasitic plantresponsible for the formation of pests in some forests. It caught my attention Druidswho noticed that it was able to bloom in winter even on apparently dead trees. This unusual observation turned the plant into symbol of fertility and from there it took only a few legends to reach the tradition of kissing under the mistletoe.
Why is this plant a hemiparasite?
Mistletoe is considered a semi-parasitic plant because it is actually produces chlorophyll and therefore can carry out photosynthesis. But this is not enough to survive for long. Therefore, although photosynthesis occurs in the leaves, the roots absorb juice trees on which it parasitizes. In any case, he usually does not dry them completely, since this would mean his own death.
As for its reproduction, it is possible thanks to birds that transfer seeds from one tree to another.
What the Druids saw
mistletoe blooms and bears fruit in winter. That is why it so attracted the attention of the Druids. At a time when many trees were losing their leaves, this plant, appearing in all its splendor on the dying trees, seemed great example of fertility. The problem is that the trees were dying because of the plant. But it didn’t seem to matter much.
On the other hand, the Druids also believed that mistletoe could drive away evil spiritsso that they hang bouquets on doorposts.
They were not responsible for the tradition of kissing under the mistletoe. Their rites were much more gruesome, as they performed sacrifices under oak trees infested with mistletoe and later gave their sap to barren animals. The Christmas tradition originated in England in the 18th century, although we still have one more step to go before we get there.
From Norse gods to kisses under the mistletoe
In Scandinavian mythology, mistletoe was also considered a symbol love and peace. This belief comes from the myth of the goddess Frigg and her children. Balder and Loki. The first was a kind creature. The complete opposite of the second one, who also swore this to his brother.
Their mother knew this, so she gathered all the animals, plants, gods, people and elements of the sky to sign an oath to protect her son. However, mistletoe escaped the oathWell, it wasn’t exactly a plant. At least it didn’t look that way, since it grew in the treetops and not on the ground.
Loki took advantage of this loophole to create mistletoe arrow and with his help kill his brother. Legend has it that Frigga cried so much that the branch from which she made an arrow sprouted, growing a new plant and resurrecting Balder. This second chance turned mistletoe into a symbol of peace and love with which other cultures coexisted.
And already in the 18th century, when celebrating Christmas in England, a mixture of all myths occurred. For the Druids, mistletoe meant fertility, and for the Scandinavians it meant love. First, in addition, bouquets hung at their door. These bouquets were very beautiful and could serve as Christmas decorations. Moreover, this holiday is celebrated in winter, when this plant is in full splendor. Everything coincided for the development of the tradition of kissing under the mistletoe and the prosperity of couples.
Never take him off the field
Besides the tradition of kissing under the mistletoe, this plant has long been part of the collection of medicinal remedies. traditional medicine from many countries. It is given all sorts of healing properties. And the truth is that he seems to have them. First of all, it was discovered that it contains anticancer substances. However, these substances need to be isolated from the rest and used (currently in research) correct doses. Ingesting mistletoe directly is highly toxic. That is why collecting it from the field is strictly prohibited, and in some places very large fines are provided.
This is done to preserve human health and, of course, the plant itself. Something similar happens with moss. If we all went out collecting moss for our nativity scenes, we would greatly harm ecosystems. Let’s leave every natural element in its place. Today we have artificial reproductions which, at least as decoration, cannot rival the real thing.
Source: Hiper Textual
