Mistletoe

Mistletoe has a beautiful history. The oldest story I found concerning mistletoe comes from Norse mythology. In this story, Frigga, the goddess of love, is the mother of Balder, the god of the summer son. Loki, the god of mayhem, made an arrowhead of mistletoe and gave it to Hoder, the blind god of winter, who shot the arrow and killed Balder. Frigga was able to revive Balder and, in her joy, kissed everyone who came under the mistletoe, where he lay.

Many cultures, not just the Norse, regard the mistletoe as a symbol of peace and love. Traditionally, warring states or even warring spouses, would make peace under the plant. It became associated with the belief that love could conquer death. Druidic traditions may have led to its being considered a symbol of fertility and couples would have their first kiss under it at their wedding.

In the middle ages, young ladies would wait under the plant and could not refuse a kiss from anyone. The kisses could mean romance, or just pledges of friendship. If they went the whole night without being kissed, it would mean they would be married that year. Regardless, the plant was always burned on Twelfth Night to keep those who had kissed under the plant from remaining unwed. Sometimes, if a couple in love kisses under the mistletoe, it can be interpreted as a promise to marry and is said to predict happiness and longevity.

In Europe mistletoe was traditionally used at Christmas Eve festivals, except in France where it was used on New Year’s Eve. Today, mistletoe is used throughout the holiday season. Regardless of which culture is responsible for which tradition, its symbolism remains: love came into the world to overcome death. Today Christians hang the plant during Christmas as a symbol of the virgin birth of Christ, which promises peace on earth and goodwill towards men.