There are some Christmas customs whose origins many people don’t quite know, but which have been passed down through generations and have endured to this day. One of these traditions is discouraged by botanists due to the plant’s properties. That plant is mistletoe, which, despite its festive use, can be toxic to humans. In fact, some clinical studies are investigating the use of mistletoe extract as a treatment for people with cancer.
Beyond its medicinal properties, mistletoe was also used in ancient rituals
This plant is primarily characterized by its distinctive white berries, making it one of the most widely used symbols of Christmas, especially in the United States and the United Kingdom. Beyond its medicinal properties, mistletoe was also used in ancient rituals, and both the plant and the decorations made from it were associated with good fortune and prosperity in various cultures. Mistletoe has lanceolate, deep green leaves covered in small white berries clustered in bunches, often adorning homes during the Christmas season. People typically place it on the top of door frames or in other elevated areas.
Historically known as mistletoe (Viscum album), it is native to Great Britain and can also be found throughout Europe, although a related species with red berries is found in southern Europe and North Africa. For the Celts, this sacred plant attracted good fortune, and their druids hung sprigs of it on doorways during the winter solstice to ward off evil spirits. Despite its long history, it is not native to the United States, but was introduced there in the early 20th century.
Surprise for many upon discovering that mistletoe is a parasitic plant
This plant has also had parts used for medicinal purposes throughout history and to this day, thanks to its anti-inflammatory, mild sedative, and diuretic properties, among others. In Ancient Greece and Rome, mistletoe symbolized peace, unity, and reconciliation. Anglo-Saxon culture shared these meanings, adding to them the association with good fortune in love: rituals involving mistletoe are believed to bring about a happy and lasting relationship.
In addition to what was mentioned above, this plant was a well-known symbol of fertility due to its year-round vibrant green color and its ability to reproduce quickly and successfully. This has led to other branches of Christmas traditions. One such widespread Christmas tradition is kissing under a sprig of mistletoe on Christmas Eve to strengthen or find a romantic relationship. Hence the surprise many people feel upon discovering that mistletoe is a parasitic plant.
The part of the branch where the mistletoe attaches can become infected
Fortunately, and to the relief of those who hang mistletoe in their homes, this plant is only partially parasitic and doesn’t completely drain or starve its host plants. In any case, it’s important to know how to handle this type of plant, as well as many others. Just because they look pretty or have attractive flowers doesn’t mean they can be handled carelessly. The part of the branch where the mistletoe attaches can become infected and die, or the host plant can even outgrow the mistletoe.
Finally, to end on an interesting topic, as with so many other traditions, the origin of the myth about kissing under the mistletoe can be found in Northern Europe. In this case, it comes from Norse and Germanic mythology. Frigg was Odin’s wife and the goddess of fertility, love, and motherhood, also renowned for her wisdom. Frigg had two sons, Baldr and Loki, the latter of whom was very jealous of his brother for receiving preferential treatment.
Premonitory dreams warned of Loki’s evil intentions, so the goddess Frigg resolved to defend Baldr by summoning plants and animals to protect her son. Mistletoe was excluded because it does not grow in the earth. From this plant, Loki fashioned an arrow with which he managed to kill his brother Baldr despite the gods’ protection. Frigg’s inconsolable weeping caused a branch of mistletoe to sprout, and according to some versions of this story, it also convinced the gods to bring Baldr back to life, declaring mistletoe a plant of love, peace, and reconciliation with others.