Christmas: the origin of mistletoe

At one point in life we have all been teased about kissing under the mistletoe. But where exactly does this tradition come from? The answer has many versions of different myths, but the one I like the most is the myth of Baldr, and how his mother’s love brought him back to life.

In Norse mythology, there was a god named Baldr and he was among the most beloved among his kind. He represented light, purity, goodness and reconciliation. Considered the best of gods, for his kindness and generosity, he glowed because of the beauty of his soul.
One day he had a dream that his life was in danger. When he told this to the other gods, they soon assembled and made a plan. His mother Frigg went to collect the promises from all the things that can harm, every tree, every element, every animal, so her son would be safe. The gods assembled again to test if it worked. They wrecked every havoc they could think of upon Baldr, and he withstood it all.
Loki did not like this and dressed himself in a woman, to question Frigg for any loopholes. Frigg answered that the only plant she did not swore in, was a small twig called mistletoe, which seemed too young to be dangerous.
Loki uses the information and tricks Baldr’s blind brother Höðr into shooting him with mistletoe. Baldr is hit and dies. The gods weep and mourn their beloved. When he is brought back to life, his mother’s tears turn into white pearls which represent mistletoe’s berries. In her ecstatic joy, she kisses everyone that walks beneath the tree. In the end the mistletoe becomes the plant of peace and whoever stands beneath it is safe from all harm, and only love should embrace them, therefore the kiss.

In the 18th century it became popular among the servants to kiss under the mistletoe. But beware! For every kiss, you have to pick a berry, and when no berry is left, it brings bad luck if you still kiss under it.

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