Christmas mistletoe is an important Christmas
symbol, an important decoration for Christmas. Kissing under the
mistletoe is a very popular Christmas mistletoe tradition followed
since ages. The custom of exchanging kiss under the mistletoe can be
still found in many European countries. Kissing under the mistletoe
is also followed in America. According to the custom, the couples
should exchange kisses under the mistletoe, every time they pass by
it. According to the tradition, if a couple in love exchanges kiss
under the mistletoe, the gesture is considered as a promise to marry
as well as a foresight of happiness and long life.
The tradition of kissing under the mistletoe finds its roots in the
legend of Goddess Frigga and her son Balder. Frigga was the
beautiful goddess of love and Balder, the God of the Summer Sun. One
fine day, Balder dreamt of his death. He was upset and told his
mother about his horrible dream. His strange dream became a matter
of concern for his mother Frigga because, without him, life on Earth
would end. Hence, she tried her level best to avoid such a mishap
and took a promise from every being in air, water, fire, and Earth
that they would never harm Balder.
Meanwhile, Loki, the God of Evil, the enemy of Balder, always had
naughty thoughts for Balder. Loki wished Balder destruction. Loki
was well aware that Frigga had overlooked one plant that grew on
apple and oat trees- the mistletoe. The cunning Loki took this
advantage, made an arrow, and placed Mistletoe at its tip. Loki then
beguiled the blind brother of Balder named as Hoder, the God of
winter and made him shoot the arrow at Balder. As a result, Balder
was immediately poisoned and died.
The death of Balder resulted in mishap. Earth turned cold and life
became dreary. Every living being on Earth tried to bring Balder
back to life. However, Frigga managed to breathe life into her son
with the help of Mistletoe. Tears rolled down her cheeks, fell on
the plant, and became pearly white berries. Frigga then blessed the
plant. Since then, anyone who stands under the mistletoe would never
be harmed and would be entitled to a kiss as token of love.
From the ancient times, mistletoe plant has been regarded as one of
the most magical, mystifying and sacred plants of European
tradition. It is believed that mistletoe plant bestows life and
fertility and protects against poison. Mistletoe was also regarded
as a sexual symbol as well as the 'soul' of the sacred oak
tree. Mistletoe plants were gathered at mid-summer and winter
solstices and were used to decorate the households during the
holiday season of Christmas. This Christmas mistletoe tradition has
its roots in the Druid and other pre-Christian traditions.
In the Middle Ages, a Christmas mistletoe tradition of hanging
mistletoe branches from the ceilings to drive away evil spirits was
widely popular. In Europe, branches of mistletoe were placed over
the houses to prevent the entrance of witches. There was a strong
belief that the sacred oak mistletoe was capable of extinguishing
fire. Moreover, it was believed that during a flash of lightning,
the mistletoe plant could come to the oak tree on its own. In
Scandinavia, Christmas mistletoe was regarded as a plant of peace
under with enemies could ceasefire or arguing spouses kiss and make-
up.
Christmas mistletoe tradition is one of the most cherished
traditions that is followed in many parts of the world. Christmas
mistletoe tradition is rather magical!
Kissing under the mistletoe is a
very popular Christmas mistletoe tradition followed since long. This
Christmas mistletoe tradition is rather magical!