It is a holiday tradition to hang the elegant mistletoe in our homes during the holiday season. Have you been caught under the mistletoe? Many say you need to kiss whoever is near you when under the mistletoe! Where did this tradition come from?

When it grows naturally in forests, it is a bit of a scourge, a parasitic plant that latches onto trees and feeds off of them. But during the holidays, it becomes a symbol of romance. The plants association with romance dates back to Norse mythology. By the 18th century, stealing a kiss beneath the mistletoe became a common practice among British servants and the tradition spread from there. According to tradition, it is bad luck to refuse a kiss from under the mistletoe. After the kiss, the couple is to pick one berry from the plant. After the berries are gone, the bough no longer has the power to command kisses.

If you decide to bring one of these decorative bundles home, look for a lot of berries to be able to pick! However, the berries are not meant for consumption and are especially poisonous for pets, so make sure to hang them high where your furry friends won’t have access to them.

~ Holiday Wishes and Mistletoe Kisses ~