When many people think of mistletoe, a charming image of two people kissing probably comes to mind first. However, did you know that in ancient Rome, mistletoe was a symbol of peace? Enemies would declare a truce if they met beneath it!
So what’s the deal with mistletoe? Where does it come from? What does it symbolize? And how did it get into popular lore today? Read on for some fascinating history of this plant!
The Botanical Side of Mistletoe
The mistletoe species most commonly associated with Christmas traditions and the custom of kissing, is the European mistletoe (Viscum album). This species is native to Europe and parts of Asia and for centuries has been revered in European folklore and customs.
Mistletoe is a hemiparasitic plant (which means partially parasitic) that attaches itself to branches of trees, extracting water and nutrients. And if you really want to impress your friends, the specialized structure that penetrates the host tree’s tissues is called haustoria!
But unlike fully parasitic plants, mistletoe can photosynthesize it’s own food using sunlight and carbon dioxide. This dual ability allows mistletoe to survive and grow without completely relying on it’s host and therefore, in most cases, mistletoe does not kill healthy, mature trees.
Despite it’s parasitic nature, mistletoe is ecologically significant, providing food for birds (especially the mistle thrush) and a habitat for insects. But for humans and pets - everything about this plant is toxic if ingested.
Mistletoe typically grows in temperate and subtropical regions, preferring trees like oaks, poplars, apple trees and occasionally conifers. The two common species are European mistletoe (Viscum album) and American mistletoe (Phoradendron leucarpum). Though different plants genetically, they share the common name “mistletoe” because both plants have a parasitic lifestyle, are evergreen in nature and have a similar appearance with leathery leaves and white berries. The name “mistletoe” comes from Old English and Germanic words describing it’s association with birds (mistle means dung, and tan means twig) because birds eat the seeds and spread them through their droppings (dung).
Mistletoe in Lore and Culture
Mistletoe’s cultural significance dates back millennia, with roots in Norse mythology and Druidic rituals.
According to Norse mythology, mistletoe is was tool of the trickster god Loki when he caused the death of Balder, the god of light and beauty. According to legend, Balder began having dreams of his own death. Troubled by this and in order to protect him, his mother Frigg (the goddess of love and motherhood), made every plant, animal, stone, element, etc promise not to harm him. However, she overlooked the plant mistletoe - considering it too insignificant to pose any danger. Loki, upon learning of this oversight and seeking to sow chaos, crafted an arrow from a mistletoe branch. During a game, Loki convinces another to throw the arrow at Balder who was killed instantly.
In the aftermath of Balder’s death, the gods promised to never again allow mistletoe to be used for evil, but to be a symbol of peace. Frigg, distraught with grief, was given the power to enforce this promise. She declared mistletoe a symbol of love and vowed to kiss anyone who passed beneath it.
For the Druids, mistletoe was considered sacred, especially when found blooming in oak trees during the harsh winters. They harvested the plant during elaborate ceremonies, convinced it could cure ailments and ward off evil spirits. Believing it could also be used an an aphrodisiac and promote fertility is another reason why mistletoe is associated with kissing.
Mistletoe is Modern Times
Today, mistletoe is primarily viewed as a festive holiday decoration and it’s combination of biological intrigue and rich cultural history makes it an enduring holiday symbol. Hanging mistletoe during the holiday season is common practice and those caught beneath it are playfully expected to kiss.
So be on the lookout for mistletoe this year and pucker up if you find yourself beneath some. Otherwise, refusing a kiss is considered bad luck!
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