Mistletoe

Mistletoe

Why Do we kiss under the mistletoe  

Kissing under sprigs of mistletoe is a well-known holiday tradition, but this little plant’s history as a symbolic herb dates back thousands of years.  Many ancient cultures prized mistletoe for its healing properties. 

The plant’s romantic overtones most likely started in the 1st century A.D. Mistletoe could blossom even during the frozen winter, it  became viewed  as a sacred symbol of vivacity, and they administered it to humans and animals alike in the hope of restoring fertility.

Mistletoe’s associations with fertility and vitality continued through the Middle Ages, and by the 18th century it had become widely incorporated into Christmas celebrations. The kissing tradition appears to have first caught on among servants in England before spreading to the middle classes. 

 As part of the early custom, men were allowed to steal a kiss from any woman caught standing under the mistletoe, and refusing was viewed as bad luck. 

History 

Author: Tosha Stapleton
Phone: 864-353-2162
Dated: December 27th 2016
Views: 305
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