Mistletoe and MYSTERY

Discover the stories behind traditional plants and greenery we associate with Christmas.

- STEVE CAIN

Celebrated in carols and depicted on cards, holly, ivy, mistletoe and Christmas trees are as integral to our festivities as turkey, crackers and the Queen’s Christmas Message. But have you ever wondered how and why these plantsbecame part of our traditional celebrations? The stories behind why we welcome such greenery into our homes are fascinating.

Mistletoe

The custom of kissing under the mistletoe can be traced back at least to the 14th century, although it may be much, much older, as mistletoe was especially venerated by the Druids. Hung just inside the door of the house, any visitor had to be embraced as they crossed the threshold. By the 16th century, in an effort to curb the possible excesses of this custom, it was decided that each time a visitor had been kissed, a berry should be removed from the sprig and, when no berries remained, the kissing had to stop!

Christmas tree