Photograph by Hulton Archive via Getty Images
Ancient civilizations from Greece to Rome used mistletoe for its healing properties. The Celtic Druids of the 1st Century A.D. believed it to have sacred powers. And today, we kiss beneath the plant.
The Christmas tradition can be traced back to Washington Irving’s The Sketch Book, in which the author wrote, “The mistletoe is still hung up in farm-houses and kitchens at Christmas, and the young men have the privilege of kissing the girls under it, plucking each time a berry from the bush…” It’s important to note this was in 1820 and the times have changed a lot. But, Irving has largely been credited with introducing the tradition. That, and the headless horseman. But we will leave that tale for another day…