What's the tradition surrounding mistletoe?

Question

What's the tradition surrounding mistletoe and what trees are most likely to grow mistletoe?

Answer 1

Mistletoe figured prominently in Norse mythology (whence the modern Western custom of kissing under bunches of it hung as holiday decorations). The god Baldur was killed with a weapon made of mistletoe. In Celtic mythology and in Druid rituals, it was considered an antidote to poison, but contact with its berries produces a rash similar to the poison ivy rash in people who are sensitive to it (as many are), so the whole plant came to be thought of as poisonous.

In Romanian traditions, mistletoe (vâsc in romanian) is considered as a source of good fortune. The medical and the supposed magical properties of the plant are still used, especially in rural areas. This custom is inherited from Dacians.

Nowadays, mistletoe is commonly used as a Christmas decoration. Viscum album is used in Europe whereas Phoradendron leucarpum is used in North America. According to a custom of Christmas cheer, any two people who meet under a hanging of mistletoe are obliged to kiss.

Mistletoe was the official flower for the State of Oklahoma until 2004 when it was replaced by the Oklahoma Rose. Mistletoe however still serves as the state's official floral emblem.

Answer 2

Christmas is a romantic time of year. Songs like I’ll be Blue without You, and Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire make singles yearn for a little romance and couples long to rekindle the fire of yesteryear. Mistletoe gives us an excuse to do just that. Maria Carey’s song All I Want for Christmas is You says, “I’m gonna keep on waiting underneath the mistletoe.” If you are ready to land a Christmas kiss this year, then set the mood with some romantic Christmas music.

Purchase some mistletoe from a local craft store. Attach the mistletoe to a headband with some wire so the mistletoe hangs down over your head. When you see your special someone, smile and try to make eye contact. With a little Christmas magic on your side, he will come over and say “hello”. When he gets close, look up at the mistletoe. He will look up, too. Quickly lean over and kiss him gently. When he looks back surprised, smile and say, “Merry Christmas, I’m just following the rules.”

Merry Christmas

May you have many Christmas kisses underneath the Mistletoe.

Answer 3

I don't know the answer to the first question, but in the Carolinas, oak and pecan/hickory trees grow most of the mistletoe.