Reflections in Nature: Mistletoe was at one time considered a sacred plant
The winterberry holly berries and the mistletoe berries are associated with Christmas, however, the mistletoe’s kissing tradition includes New Year’s Day. At one time, the mistletoe was considered a sacred plant, but stealing a kiss while standing under a few sprigs of mistletoe during the holidays has become a tradition. How the mistletoe made this jump from a sacred plant to a holiday kissing tradition is somewhat of a mystery. By the 18th century, the mistletoe had become widely incorporated into Christmas and New Year celebrations. The kissing under the mistletoe tradition ...