Maguire Family Law have been gifted the most beautiful and abundant bunch of Mistletoe. A common sight around Christmas time but what is it all about?
How does Mistletoe grow?
You might be interested to learn that mistletoe is a parasite. It grows in the branches of trees such as apple, poplar , lime and conifers. It will not kill the host tree but can weaken it. For more information on growing and harvesting click here.
Healing powers, vivacity, fertility
The Greeks hailed this plant as a cure all for cramps, spleen disorder and the Romans used it as a balm against epilepsy, ulcers and poisons. The Celtic Druids documented that mistletoe could blossom even during the most harsh winters and therefore viewed the plant as a sacred symbol of vivacity and fertility.
Kissing tradition
Legend tells us that Norse god Baldur, god of truth and light, was slayed by an arrow made from the mistletoe branch. His bereft mother wept tears of white berries which brought Baldur back to life. It was decreed that the mistletoe was never to be used again as a weapon and that she would place a kiss on anyone who passed beneath it.
The kissing tradition has spread throughout out the ages. Thought to have been popular initially with the working class and spreading into the middle classes during the 18th century. Customarily men can steal a kiss from any girl standing beneath the plant and any refusal of a kiss can lead to bad luck and a lack of marriage proposal for the following year! After every kiss a berry should be removed from the bush and once all of the berries have been taken the kissing must cease!
Some cultures see a kiss under the mistletoe as a promise to marry so be careful out there boys and girls! A simple bit of festive fun could lead to a much greater commitment.
For specialist advice on any family law related issue contact Maguire Family Law by email: james.maguire@family-law.co.uk or telephone:
