What is the symbolism of mistletoe?
What is the symbolism of mistletoe?
Historically, mistletoe represents romance, fertility, and vitality. Because nothing says love like bird feces and poison. But seriously, the Celtic Druids valued mistletoe for its healing properties and likely were among the first to decorate with it.
Why do we kiss under the mistletoe?
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.
Why is mistletoe A Christmas tradition?
The plant’s romantic overtones most likely started with the Celtic Druids of the 1st century A.D. Because mistletoe could blossom even during the frozen winter, the Druids came to view it as a sacred symbol of vivacity, and they administered it to humans and animals alike in the hope of restoring fertility.
What is the true meaning of a mistletoe of Christmas?
The meaning of mistletoe at Christmas. Before there were any Christmas trees, the custom to kiss beneath it most likely originated in pre-Christian Europe where it was believed that mistletoe possessed life bestowing properties and was associated with fertility.
What is the relationship between mistletoe and Christmas?
In many tellings, Frigg declares the mistletoe to be a symbol of love after her son’s death and promises to kiss anyone who passed underneath it. If that’s an accurate version of the story, it would be clear how it directly connects to the romantic act of today.
Is mistletoe a pagan tradition?
Druids used mistletoe from oak trees in pagan rituals such as animal sacrifices. They considered mistletoe to be sacred and a symbol of peace and harmony. Folklore says enemies would meet under a tree bearing mistletoe, lay down weapons, exchange greetings and observe a truce until the next day.
What does mistletoe represent in pagan?
In Scandinavia, mistletoe is associated with the pagan goddess Frigga who is married to Odin, king of all the Norse gods. She is also the Norse goddess of love and mother of Balder, god of the summer sun.
Why is it called French kiss?
French kissing became popular after WWI No one really knows the exact reason why we use the term, but it was likely adopted by Americans who traveled to France and kissed French women, who were more comfortable with a bit of tongue action, says Kirshenbaum. Naturally, the term “French kiss” developed.
