What does Christmas mistletoe symbolize?
Mistletoe is one of the four plants traditionally adopted by Christians in order to celebrate Christmas. Its evergreen leaves indeed symbolize ‘life that does not die’. This parasitic plant grows mostly on apple trees.
What is the connection between mistletoe and Christmas?
Where does the Christmas tradition of mistletoe come from? The tradition of hanging mistletoe dates back to the ancient Druids who believed the plant brought good luck and helped protect against evil spirits.
Why do we kiss under the mistletoe at Christmas?
A young lady caught under the mistletoe could not refuse to give a kiss. This was supposed to increase her chances of marriage, since a girl who wasn’t kissed could still be single next Christmas. According to ancient custom, after each kiss, one berry is removed until they are all gone.
What is the mistletoe tradition?
The mistletoe tradition holds that a man is allowed to kiss any woman standing beneath a sprig or bouquet of Mistletoe, and vice versa. If a kiss is refused, bad luck befalls the person who said “No.”
Why do children go under mistletoe?
In ancient times it was customary for the visitor to kiss the hand of the host, signifying that the visitor has come in good faith. Since the mistletoe brings happiness, to kiss under it was a pledge of eternal friendship.
What happens if you dont kiss under the mistletoe?
According to the tradition, it’s bad luck to refuse a kiss beneath the mistletoe. After the kiss, the couple is to pluck one of the berries from the plant. Once all the berries are gone, the bough no longer has the power to command kisses.
What are you supposed to do when you find yourself under the mistletoe?
Mistletoe makes its annual appearance each December as millions of Americans and Europeans hang a sprig of it in their doorways during the holiday season. According to custom, if you’re caught standing under the mistletoe, you may get a kiss.
Is mistletoe for Christmas or New Years?
Hanging mistletoe is a Chrismas tradition in the U.S., while in Europe, it is more commonly used as a decoration on New Year’s Eve.
What’s the history of mistletoe?
The tradition of kissing under the mistletoe started in ancient Greece, during the festival of Saturnalia and later in marriage ceremonies, because of the plant’s association with fertility. During the Roman era, enemies at war would reconcile their differences under the mistletoe, which to them represented peace.
What are the rules of mistletoe?
Under a sprig of mistletoe, a man must kiss the nearest lady only on the cheek. Once the kissing is done, a berry must be removed from the mistletoe. When all of the berries are gone, the mistletoe has lost its kiss-compelling powers!
What’s the story of mistletoe?
In the Norse culture, the Mistletoe plant was a sign of love and peace. The story goes that the goddess, Figg lost her son, the god Baldur, to an arrow made of mistletoe. After his death, she vowed that Mistletoe would kiss anyone who passed beneath so long as it was never again used as a weapon.
What are you supposed to do when u find yourself under the mistletoe?