As the festive season rolls around, many of us find ourselves partaking in the tradition of stealing a kiss under the mistletoe. However, this popular holiday custom is deeply rooted in a history far less romantic than the act itself. The origins of the word 'mistletoe' suggest a connection that is decidedly unromantic—it ties back to bird droppings, of all things.
The Unlikely Etymology of Mistletoe
According to Susie Dent, a British lexicographer, the word 'mistletoe' is believed to be derived from Anglo-Saxon terms: 'mistel' meaning manure or dung, and 'tan' or 'toe,' meaning twig or stick. This etymological insight humorously suggests that mistletoe means ‘bird poop on a twig.’
This peculiar name is not just arbitrary. Tristram Seidler, a biology professor, explains that the plant's seeds are spread through a process known as endozoochory. Birds eat the berries and later deposit the seeds far from the parent plant, typically landing them on the upper branches of trees.
A Legacy of Winter Traditions
Despite its odd origins, mistletoe has long been intertwined with winter celebrations, particularly given its evergreen nature. Bettina Arnold, an anthropology professor, notes that agricultural societies marked the winter solstice—a period of renewal—as mistletoe was seen as a metaphor for life persisting through winter's death.
Records show that mistletoe was used by druids in Iron Age Gaul and the British Isles. Pliny the Elder, a Roman historian, wrote about druids cutting mistletoe with a golden sickle, believing it imparted fertility and served as an antidote to poison—a belief not supported by modern medicine.
Influence of Christian and Roman Customs
The symbolic nature of mistletoe, representing fertility and renewal, seamlessly transitioned into Christian traditions. The Roman celebration of Saturnalia, which marked the winter solstice, already involved decorating with evergreen plants, thus further embedding mistletoe into celebratory customs.
Norse Myths and More
Norse mythology also contributes to the lore surrounding mistletoe with the story of Baldur, the god of light, who was impervious to everything except mistletoe, leading to his demise at the hands of Loki.
From Ancient Lore to Romantic Customs
The earliest written reference to kissing under mistletoe appears in a song from the 1784 musical comedy Two for One. The line celebrates the luck brought by the festive plant, cementing its place in holiday romance. Over time, as Susie Dent highlights, mistletoe's story transformed from its 'scatological beginnings' into something more heartwarming and romantic.
Today, as we continue the tradition of hanging mistletoe overhead during the holidays, it serves as a testament to how customs evolve, rich with historical significance and shaped by cultural stories over the centuries. Whether you're aware of its roots or not, the act of kissing under this curious plant remains an enduring fixture of holiday romance.
