Mistletoe Wreath

Why do we kiss under a sprig of mistletoe? How did such a custom start?

Mistletoe has no roots in the soil, and it remains green in the winter when the leaves of the tree it has made its home have withered, so the ancient Celts regarded mistletoe as a magic blessing from the sun god. The mistletoe shrub was carefully harvested with a golden sickle and never allowed to touch the ground. The sprigs hung over doorways for good luck and protection from evil. Mistletoe was also called "Allheal" and used for healing and improved fertility.

The mistletoe plant is actually a parasite that attaches itself to the branches of a host tree and draws water and nutrients from its host like a bushy little green vampire. The small white berries are also poisonous to humans, though many birds eat the seeds as a food source. So far, this plant doesn't inspire romance or kisses!