UNDER THE MISTLETOE..
22.10.2009 Winter Holidays - Customs

The plant was sacred in many cultures, generally representing peace and love.



Most people know the tradition of kissing under the mistletoe at Christmas time, which probably comes from Scandinavian mythology..

The Goddess Freya’s son was killed by an arrow made of mistletoe, so, in honour of him, she declared that it would always be a symbol of peace.. It was often hung in doorways as a sign of friendship.

The ancient Druids believed that hanging mistletoe in your doorway, protected you from evil spirits.. Tribes would stop fighting for a period of time if they found a tree with mistletoe. But you will never see mistletoe in a Christian Church!
It is actually banned because of its associations with pagan religion and superstition…


Photo: www.billcasselman.com