I had just answered another question concerning how Pagans celebrate Christmas and something did occur to me. I know Celts use the Mistletoe during this time... it was considered a Sacred plant to the Druids... but according to the Northern Traditions I am not sure. Considering the story of Loki aiming the arrow that killed Baldr (spelling? I see these names spelled so many different ways I'm still unsure of them), is mistletoe left out during Yule because of this? Or did it transfer from the Celts (as their cultures mingle greatly in several different areas)?
Now I know, in some references, mistletoe isn't considered Sacred even to some Celts. I am using this more in the modern sense, since many do include it as a sacred plant.
2007-09-18 11:23:08 · 5 answers · asked by River 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Ryan, I know it was his brother who was tricked, but Loki still aimed the arrow for Baldr's blind brother. But I was pointing more to the idea that since it was used to kill Baldr, who was seemingly a favorite among the Northern people (Mainly Norse, if I read it right), I wondered if it was one of those things they didn't use out of respect.....
2007-09-18 11:36:17 · update #1
Daughter, thank you. I know what you mean about being tired... between insomnia and kids... lol
2007-09-18 11:37:29 · update #2
Robin - thank you. I haven't come across that yet. I know some traditions will exclude things of that nature out of respect... while other traditions will show there is still good to be had from things that had originally caused harm.
2007-09-18 11:38:41 · update #3
When it was prophesied that Baldr would be killed his mother Frigga made all things in the nine worlds promise not to kill Baldr, but she skipped the mistletoe, thinking it was too small and weak to take the oath.
Loki found out and fashioned a dart from the mistletoe branch, and gave it to Hodr. He guided the mistletoe dart and it pierced the eye of Baldr and he was killed. The earth itself was so outraged, that the mistletoe had to climb up in an oak tree to live.
Frigga declared that because the mistletoe had been the cause of so much strife that everyone who stood under it must kiss in reparation to show friendship and love.
2007-09-18 11:32:57 · answer #1 · answered by Robin Runesinger 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It is sacred in some Celtic traditions, but if you read the paragraph about halfway down the page regarding mistletoe you might see that some prefer not to think about it too much.
Ew
Anyway who needs an excuse to kiss?
2007-09-18 11:46:04 · answer #2 · answered by KC 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Haha, I'm from Cuba! :D Hola fellow spanish speaker! :p Basically that is no longer quite a culture lol, good it's, form of. :p If you do not just like the man or woman that you're below the mistletoe with, YOU DO NOT HAVE TO KISS THEM loool If you just like the man or woman, then YEAH cross forward and kiss them! :) Adios! :))
2016-09-05 18:39:30 · answer #3 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well firstly it was baldur's brother who was tricked by loki, but i would think that mistletoe is really more of an american thing, i could be wrong but thats my 2 cents
2007-09-18 11:31:43 · answer #4 · answered by Ryan, Atheati Magus 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As far as I know we use it....
edit: Ah there Runesinger answered. :)
2007-09-18 11:32:55 · answer #5 · answered by ~Heathen Princess~ 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋