The holiday season often conjures images of mistletoe. Ancient traditions suggest that the mistletoe should be kissed when touched or stepped under. As the plant’s white berries are available in December, it naturally became identified with many of the holiday events associated with this time of year. Next thing you know, the kissing morphed into kissing whoever stepped under the plant versus kissing the plant itself!

The tradition of hanging mistletoe in winter began with the Greek festival of Saturnalia, celebrated in late December.

Mistletoe is an evergreen parasitic plant. When one of the sticky berries comes into contact with the bark of a tree, generally through the aid of birds, it will, after a few days, send out a thread-like root that will pierce the bark and take advantage of the juices in the bark to sustain itself.

Mistletoe particularly likes old apple trees. It is rarely found on pear trees, but it also likes ash, hawthorn, and lime trees.

Found throughout Europe, South Africa, Southern Asia, and Australia, it is a global decoration for many cultural celebrations that take place in the winter months.

Mistletoe is also an effective medicine used to treat convulsions, and the Asian variety is considered edible.

Here’s wishing a Happy Holiday to one and all. May your holiday season be bright and full of cheer.

Find out more about Mistletoe and its surprising healing attributes!