Mistletoe’s Mythical Roots
- Belle Webb
- Dec 24, 2024
- 2 min read
Shrouded in ancient myth and whispered traditions, the mistletoe’s power to spark a kiss holds secrets entwined with gods, druids, and the shadowed corners of history.
The tradition of kissing under the mistletoe has roots in ancient European folklore and mythology, particularly among the Norse and Celtic peoples. Here's a brief history:
Norse Mythology
The custom may trace back to a Norse legend about the god Balder, son of Odin and Frigg. In the story:
Frigg sought to protect her son by asking all things in the world to vow not to harm him, but she overlooked mistletoe.
Loki, the trickster god, used mistletoe to fashion a weapon that killed Balder.
After Balder’s death, mistletoe was said to symbolize love and peace. In some versions of the myth, Frigg decreed that mistletoe should no longer be used for harm and instead encouraged people to kiss under it in remembrance of love.
Celtic Druids
The Celts considered mistletoe sacred because it grew on oak trees, which they revered. They believed it had healing powers and brought fertility and vitality. The act of hanging mistletoe may have been part of rituals to promote harmony and goodwill, although there's no evidence they kissed under it.
Roman Saturnalia and Christmas
The Romans celebrated Saturnalia, a midwinter festival marked by feasting and merrymaking. Mistletoe may have been used as part of these festivities, symbolizing fertility and abundance. The tradition likely blended with Christian Christmas celebrations as cultures merged over time.
Victorian Popularity
The practice of kissing under the mistletoe became widely popular in Victorian England. It was formalized into Christmas traditions, where a sprig of mistletoe would be hung, and anyone caught underneath it was expected to receive a kiss. This romantic association solidified its place in holiday customs.
Overall, the tradition combines themes of love, peace, fertility, and goodwill, passed down and adapted over centuries.
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