Tradition: Where does the custom of kissing under the mistletoe come from?

Mistletoe is known to remain green and alive when the trees from which it comes appear dead, and has always been credited with somewhat magical properties. Mistletoe symbolizes peace, happiness, and health.

Nul ne sait clairement quand a commencé cette tradition de s’embrasser sous le gui dans le temps de Christmas. Depuis fort longtemps, bien des amoureux sont convaincus que de s’embrasser sous le gui leur assurera une vie de couple longue et harmonieuse. On prétend même que lorsque des ennemis passaient ensemble sous une branche de gui, ils devaient déposer les armes, se saluer et faire une trêve jusqu’au lendemain

Perhaps this ritual comes to us from the Druids, who considered mistletoe to be the "golden bough," a sacred plant that only they had the right to pick. It was then claimed that it cured certain illnesses and countered sterility. Since the Middle Ages, people have offered it with the saying "To the mistletoe in the new year!" Others claim that this custom dates back to the time of the ancient Romans.

Among the Druids

History records that the druids, dressed entirely in white, would cut the precious mistletoe with a golden sickle over a spotless sheet; the fruits were never to touch the ground to preserve their properties. They would also grind the leaves of the plant into powder and then transfer it to a small bag to wear around the neck as a protection against evil spells.

Freya's Fate

Another version, widespread in the United Kingdom, tells that Freya, goddess of love and fertility, had cast the following spell: any young girl who passed (even by chance) under a mistletoe branch attached to the ceiling could expect to be kissed immediately, if a man was nearby.

Qu’importe son origine, qu’avons-nous à perdre en continuant de pratiquer entre amoureux ce rituel charmant à minuit, le jour de Noël et aussi du Nouvel An?