Why do we kiss under a mistletoe? How did a parasitic plant become the ultimate venue for kissing? How long has this curious plant been a part of our culture?
The mistletoe is a plant that has for a long time has symbolized various things. Celtic Druids were probably the first people to assign mystical qualities to the mistletoe. They used it in their sacred ceremonies. They believed it could heal illnesses, ward off nightmares, and predict the future. The Druids gathered the plant around the winter solstice, hence around Christmas time.
Somewhere along the way, the mistletoe became a symbol of fertility and vitality. The reasoning behind this is elusive, but because the plant represented fertility, it became linked to love and romance. It was in Greece where kissing under the mistletoe began, originally as part of the Kronia festival. Later it was incorporated into weddings.
The Romans continued the Greek tradition. They too incorporated the mistletoe into their version of Kronia—Saturnalia. This festival was held in December and could be the reason why the mistletoe is equated with Christmas time. Also, Romans decorated their homes and temples with around the time of the winter solstice to please the gods.
Many Christian holidays have their dates fixed around the times of the old pagan festivals. This was a neat way for Christian leaders to convert the Germanic peoples of Europe without antagonizing them too much. For example, Easter comes from Eostre, a Germanic goddess signifying spring and fertility.
The mistletoe could’ve been incorporated into Christmas celebrations in a similar manner. Rather than prohibit the mistletoe as being a remnant of paganism, the early Church merely integrated it into the Christmas holiday.
Though the mistletoe may have been connected to kissing as far back as ancient times, the earliest documented instance of kissing under a mistletoe dates to 16th century England. Also, its use as a Christmas decoration is rarely mentioned before the 1700s.
We see this act a happy, lighthearted affair. Apparently it was taken very seriously in the Victorian era. It was said that if a girl refused a kiss, she shouldn’t expect any marriage proposals for at least the next year. Added to this, people would snub their noses at her and tell her that she would most likely end up an old maid. Rough.
So this holiday season, when you look up at the mistletoe show it some respect. It’s shaped human culture in more ways than any single human ever could. Just remember one very important thing: don’t eat it. The plant and its berries are poisonous. Just stick to kissing.
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