danamdkny Posted December 5 Report Share Posted December 5 Why do we get kissed if we stand under the mistletoe? Since ancient times, the mistletoe has been one of the most magical, mysterious and sacred plants of European folklore.The ancient Druids considered the mistletoe to be a sacred plant and believed it had miraculous powers which could cure illnesses, serve as an antidote against poisons, ensure fertility and protect against the ill effects of witchcraft. It was also believed that the mistletoe was an aphrodisiac or a sexual symbol. From these strange beliefs has come the modern-day custom of hanging a ball of mistletoe from the ceiling and exchanging kisses under it as a sign of friendship and goodwill.The tradition of smooching under the mistletoe descends from the customs of several different cultures. For instance, exchanging kisses under the mistletoe was a tradition of Greek festivals and marital ceremonies. If a couple in love exchanges a kiss under the mistletoe, it is interpreted as a promise to marry, as well as a prediction of happiness and long life.The Anglo-Saxons associated the powers of the mistletoe to the legend of Freya, the goddess of love, beauty and fertility. According to the legend, a man had to kiss any young girl who, without realizing it, found herself accidentally under a sprig of mistletoe hanging from the ceiling. Guys would pluck a berry when they smooched the girls and when the last berry was gone, there would be no more kissing!In France, the custom linked to the mistletoe was reserved for New Year's Day: "Au gui l'An neuf"--Mistletoe for the New Year.Today, kisses can be exchanged under the mistletoe any time during the holiday season. Did you know?Although the mistletoe is considered to be the seed of love, the common name of the plant is derived from the ancient belief that mistletoe grew from bird droppings. This strange belief was related to the ancient principle that life could spring spontaneously from dung.In ancient times, people observed that mistletoe appeared on a branch or twig where birds had left droppings. "Mistel" is the Anglo-Saxon word for "dung," and "tan" is the word for "twig". So, mistletoe actually means "dung-on-a-twig". What a strange meaning for a plant that is supposed to bring love and happiness!In Scandinavia, mistletoe was considered a plant of peace, under which enemies could declare a truce or warring spouses kiss and make-up. Whenever enemies met under the mistletoe in the forest, they had to lay down their arms and observe a truce until the next day.Today's custom of using mistletoe to decorate houses at Christmas is a survirding to the legend, a man had to kiss any young girl who, without realizing it, found herself accidentally under a sprig of mistletoe hanging from the ceiling. Guys would pluck a berry when they smooched the girls and when the last berry was gone, there would be no more kissing!In France, the custom linked to the mistletoe was reserved for New Year's Day: "Au gui l'An neuf"--Mistletoe for the New Year.Today, kisses can be exchanged under the mistletoe any time during the holiday season. Did you know?Although the mistletoe is considered to be the seed of love, the common name of the plant is derived from the ancient belief that mistletoe grew from bird droppings. This strange belief was related to the ancient principle that life could spring spontaneously from dung.In ancient times, people observed that mistletoe appeared on a branch or twig where birds had left droppings. "Mistel" is the Anglo-Saxon word for "dung," and "tan" is the word for "twig". So, mistletoe actually means "dung-on-a-twig". What a strange meaning for a plant that is supposed to bring love and happiness!In Scandinavia, mistletoe was considered a plant of peace, under which enemies could declare a truce or warring spouses kiss and make-up. Whenever enemies met under the mistletoe in the forest, they had to lay down their arms and observe a truce until the next day.Today's custom of using mistletoe to decorate houses at Christmas is a survival of European beliefs and traditions. In Europe, branches of mistletoe were hung from ceilings to ward off evil spirits. In some countries, they were placed over house and stable doors to prevent the entrance of witches. NOW get kissing PEOPLE! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zeeker Posted December 5 Report Share Posted December 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mystify Posted December 5 Report Share Posted December 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
djmoonshine Posted December 5 Report Share Posted December 5 i have misteltoe hanging above my room door... let's see what happens with that... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cintron Posted December 6 Report Share Posted December 6 gimme your address then. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
misk Posted December 6 Report Share Posted December 6 Originally posted by djmoonshine i have misteltoe hanging above my room door... let's see what happens with that... ..it's like a MAN trap!.....i likes:devil: .......now...to find the perfect spot for my mistletoe Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
petp Posted December 10 Report Share Posted December 10 im putting mistletoe on my beltbuckle...lets see what happens!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mystify Posted December 10 Report Share Posted December 10 Originally posted by petp im putting mistletoe on my beltbuckle...lets see what happens!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sugar_n_spice Posted December 10 Report Share Posted December 10 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
georgym Posted December 10 Report Share Posted December 10 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mystify Posted December 10 Report Share Posted December 10 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pookie23 Posted December 11 Report Share Posted December 11 oops Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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