Plant Babushka: the lives of plants

Mistletoe has a rich history and has been associated with various cultural and religious traditions throughout the centuries.

Roots

Ancient Celts and Druids

Mistletoe has its roots in ancient Celtic and Druid traditions. The Druid, who were priests in ancient Britain, believed that mistletoe had sacred properties. They associated with fertility and believed it had the power to bring good fortune and ward off evil spirits. During winter solstice celebrations, Druids would cut mistletoe from oak trees with a golden sickle and distribute it to the people for protection.

Norse Mythology

In Norse mythology, mistletoe was associated with the goddess Fridge. According to the legend, Frigg’s son, Balder, was killed by an arrow made of mistletoe. After his death, Fridge declared that mistletoe would never again be used as a weapon and that she would plant a kiss on anyone who passed beneath it as a sign of love and protection. This myth is thought to be the origin of the tradition of kissing under the mistletoe.

Ancient Rome

The Romans also adopted mistletoe into their celebrations. It was considered a symbol of peace, and during the festival of Saturnalia, enemies would exchange greetings and reconcile under branches of mistletoe.

Christian Adaptation

With the spread of Christianity, some of the traditions associated with mistletoe were adapted to fit the new religious context. For example, the plant became a symbol of Christ’s forgiveness and love.

Medieval Europe

In medieval Europe, mistletoe continued to be associated with various traditions. It was often used in Christmas decorations, and some believed it had mystical properties that could protect against witches and evil spirits.

In Modern Times

Traditions Today

Today, mistletoe is commonly used as a decoration during the Christmas season. The tradition of kissing under the mistletoe persists, and it is often seen as a symbol of love and good will. In some cultures, it is believed that a couple who kisses under the mistletoe will have good luck and a lasting relationship.

Mistletoe Symbolism, Associations, and Meaning

Mistletoe is often associated with themes of love, romance, and festive celebration.

Did you dream about mistletoe? Dreaming of mistletoe could potentially be linked to feelings of affection, connection, or celebration. Additionally, the act of kissing under the mistletoe is a well-known tradition, so a dream involving mistletoe might also be related to relationships or the desire for intimacy.

Alternatively, depending on the context of the dreamer’s life, complying with custom and kissing someone under the mistletoe can signal a feeling of being trapped by one’s customs or traditions. Do you want to break free from “how things are done”? Are you stifled or frustrated by the past? Context, who else is involved, and how the dreamer feels about all of the above will be a good indicator of how to interpret mistletoe in one’s dream.

If you’ve had a few too many encounters with mistletoe lately, the universe may be telling you to keep your eyes open for opportunities for connection and intimacy with others.

How to Grow

Caring for mistletoe can be a bit different from caring for typical houseplants, as mistletoe is a parasitic plant that grows on the branches of host trees. If you have some mistletoe at home for decorative purposes and want to keep it alive, here are some general guidelines:

• Selecting Healthy Mistletoe: Choose fresh mistletoe with plump green berries. The leaves should be firm and free from browning.
• Watering and Freshness Maintenance: Mistletoe doesn’t need traditional watering like potted plants. However, misting the leaves with water occasionally can help maintain its freshness.
• Location: Keep mistletoe in a cool location away from direct sunlight. Avoid placing it near heat sources or radiators, as mistletoe can dry out.
• Avoid Toxic Exposure: Mistletoe berries can be toxic if ingested, so keep them out of reach of children and pets. If you have pets or small children, it might be best to display mistletoe out of their reach.
• Host Tree Compatibility: Mistletoe is often best enjoyed as a temporary decoration during the holiday season; however, if you want to keep mistletoe alive for an extended period, consider attaching it to a host tree. Mistletoe relies on the host tree for nutrients. Common host trees include apple, hawthorn, poplar, and willow. Keeping mistletoe inside runs the risk of it drying out and becoming a fire hazard. If your mistletoe dries out or becomes brittle, it’s near impossible to revive. Find an outdoor tree or toss it.