2006-12-02 12:16:04 · 7 answers · asked by lizzie t 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Holidays ➔ Christmas
"Kissing under the mistletoe is first found associated with the Greek festival of Saturnalia and later with primitive marriage rites. They probably originated from two beliefs. One belief was that it has power to bestow fertility. It was also believed that the dung from which the mistletoe would also possess "life-giving" power. In Scandinavia, mistletoe was considered a plant of peace, under which enemies could declare a truce or warring spouses kiss and make-up. Later, the eighteenth-century English credited with a certain magical appeal called a kissing ball. At Christmas time a young lady standing under a ball of mistletoe, brightly trimmed with evergreens, ribbons, and ornaments, cannot refuse to be kissed. Such a kiss could mean deep romance or lasting friendship and goodwill. If the girl remained unkissed, she cannot expect not to marry the following year. In some parts of England the Christmas mistletoe is burned on the twelfth night lest all the boys and girls who have kissed under it never marry. Whether we believe it or not, it always makes for fun and frolic at Christmas celebrations. Even if the pagan significance has been long forgotten, the custom of exchanging a kiss under the mistletoe can still be found in many European countries as well as in Canada. Thus if a couple in love exchanges a kiss under the mistletoe, it is interpreted as a promise to marry, as well as a prediction of happiness and long life. In France, the custom linked to mistletoe was reserved for New Year's Day: "Au gui l'An neuf" (Mistletoe for the New Year). Today, kisses can be exchanged under the mistletoe any time during the holiday season. "
2006-12-02 12:38:12 · answer #1 · answered by Kuulei 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes I have. Under the mistletoe, on top of the mistletoe, under the Christmas lights, Christmas ornaments, and next to the presents. I hope you get to this year!
2016-03-13 01:49:18 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
because it would difficult to kiss over it, presuming its hung from the ceiling,, hehe. actually i believe its a old tradition having to dowith the belief that mistle toe remaining green all winter when most other trees and plants were bare of any green was that mistle toe was a beare of new life and good luck by kissing under it you blessed you and the kissie with good luck etc.
2006-12-02 12:45:04 · answer #3 · answered by steve h 2 · 1⤊ 2⤋
I'm not picky. I'll kiss someone under a turnip. Or even some parsley.
2006-12-02 13:34:07 · answer #4 · answered by sheeny 6 · 4⤊ 1⤋
It is a cute tradition. The other answers were great, I have learned a lot. Great question!
2006-12-02 15:33:01 · answer #5 · answered by Vicki C 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't know propaly cause they wnt to.
2006-12-02 13:38:39 · answer #6 · answered by Lola D 1 · 0⤊ 2⤋
why not?
2006-12-02 13:22:36 · answer #7 · answered by spike missing debra m 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋