Kissing under the mistletoe: this is the meaning behind it

For hundreds of years, numerous meanings have been attached to mistletoe. Some myths have developed into traditions over the course of time

Kissing under the mistletoe: this is what lies behind the tradition

The mistletoe is said to have countless different meanings. Some legendary stories become traditions over the course of time: Kissing under the mistletoe is one of them.

• The custom of kissing under mistletoe is known in many countries. The tradition probably originated in England. A few hundred years ago, the berries of mistletoe were also known as kissing balls and were the subject of countless Victorian romance novels. In prudish times, it was not quite so easy to get close and every opportunity was seized.

• The mistletoe was quickly declared a branch of love and if two people met under it, they were allowed to kiss. However, to ensure that the happy goings-on under the mistletoe didn’t get too boisterous, one of the kissing balls always had to be picked. If the mistletoe no longer bore any berries, there was no “kissing license.”

• If the meeting under the mistletoe was indeed accidental, the women were not allowed to refuse the kiss. If they did anyway, legend has it that they had no chance of finding the love of their life in the coming year. This did not apply to men. If they refused the kiss, they still didn’t have to worry about their future.

• It has now become a ritual in many households to hang mistletoe over the door in the run-up to Christmas. If a couple kisses under the mistletoe, their love is said to last forever and they will stay together forever. Of course, you can also seize the opportunity and catch your dream partner under the mistletoe, maybe you’ll be lucky and the magic of the kissing balls will work on you too. The only condition, however, is that you don’t hang up the mistletoe yourself

Mistletoe: The medicinal plant is said to have these effects

The evergreen mistletoe grows high up in the forks of trees and blooms even in the dark, cold season. This has stimulated people’s imagination since time immemorial and numerous legends and myths have grown up around mistletoe.

• Mistletoe is said to be a gift from the gods and, accordingly, the plant is said to have mainly positive properties. For example, the Celts believed that mistletoe had magical powers and in the Middle Ages mistletoe branches were hung on many front doors to drive away evil spirits. Last but not least, mistletoe is also considered a lucky charm and even a peacemaker.

• The ancient healers also quickly discovered the legendary mistletoe for themselves. A plant that is said to have so many positive powers cannot be harmful to health. In fact, mistletoe is still used as a medicinal plant today.

• The plant is said to have an anti-inflammatory effect, strengthen the heart and circulation, relieve earache and is also used as an adjunct in cancer therapy.