Anyway, here’s a final seasonal weirdo for this year:
A brief kiss under the mistletoe is a secondary festive tradition. It is a sign of goodwill or, now, more a romantic thing for couples. There seem to be many theories on the origin of the custom. It could be linked to old Scandinavia, where ritual dictated that foes put down their weapons if they clashed under mistletoe.
Today, people can kiss under mistletoe at any time over the festive season, though I would say it is more common on Christmas Eve, or at New Year’s Eve parties (NB: beware the drunken lech!) Apparently in France the tradition is reserved solely for New Year’s.
In Europe and North America mistletoe has special significance over the festive season, and is often used as a decoration.
In Europe and North America mistletoe has special significance over the festive season, and is often used as a decoration.
It's actually a semi-parasitic plant. It grows on the branches of other plants draining water and minerals from the host, though it also feeds itself using photosynthesis. Its seeds are spread by birds who eat the berries. I remember globes of European mistletoe on the apple trees at my Grandparents’ home in Wales, UK, though there are many varieties the world over.
Happy holidays, peeps!
Happy holidays, peeps!
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| European mistletoe |
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