For fun, I did a little research on the origin of mistletoe and learned that, since the 18th century, it has been a symbol of romance and fertility.
According to custom, the mistletoe must not touch the ground from the time of its cutting to its removal as the last of the Christmas greens at Candlemas.
It may remain hanging in the house throughout the year until it is replaced the following Christmas Eve.
According to a Scandinavian Christmas custom, any two people who meet under a hanging of mistletoe are obliged to kiss.
An early Scandinavian author once referred to mistletoe by writing:
"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. When the berries are all plucked, the privilege ceases."
Merry Christmas, everyone!
