Mistletoe

Mistletoe

Mistletoe

The mistletoe was a symbol of goodwill and love, an omen of long life, fertility and happiness for those who kissed beneath it. Named 'All-heal', mistletoe was accepted by the Church who proclaimed it a symbol of Christ, the divine healer.

The Druids called mistletoe 'omnia sanitatem' which means 'that which heals all'. They used it as a medicine. It was also believed to heal hearts and it was believed that if two enemies met under a tree bearing mistletoe, they were not allowed to fight. Anyone entering a home decorated with sprigs of mistletoe was entitled to receive shelter and protection. Some people thought that mistletoe possessed magical powers and others thought of in a negative vein.

Mistletoe, also known as viscum album, is an evergreen that bears berries and is thought of in association to Christmas. The custom of kissing under the mistletoe appears to be of English origin. It is not until the eighteenth century that some writers suggest that kissing under the mistletoe was common place. There were contradictory beliefs about the custom of kissing under the mistletoe.

Today, many people enhance their Christmas festivities with mischievous sprigs of mistletoe. The custom is found in Britain, France or countries where the British have settled, such as Commonwealth countries, including Canada and it is also found in the United States...

A branch of the mystic mistletoe is suspended from the wall or ceiling and anyone of the fair sex who, either from inadvertence, or possible may be insinuated, on PURPOSE, passes beneath the sacred spray, incurs the penalty of being then and there kissed by any lord of creation who chooses to avail himself of the privilege.
Chamber’s Book of Days (1864)