Christmas Traditions: Why Do We Kiss Under the Mistletoe?
When I think of mistletoe, I often think of Justin Bieber’s “Mistletoe” song or some cheesy Hallmark movie where a smalltown guy and big city gal who’s home for the holidays kiss under the plant for the first time.
But where did this famous yuletide tradition even come from? Why do we kiss under the mistletoe? Let’s take a look at the history behind this well-known Christmas tradition.
Where Does the Mistletoe Tradition Originate From?
Mistletoe has deep-rooted origins in history — ones that go far beyond our workplace holiday parties or movies.
The Celtic Druids
Historically, the first tradition involving mistletoe dates back to the Celtic Druids, according to LiveScience. However, the Druids didn’t kiss under the mistletoe. They believed the plant had healing properties, the ability to predict the future, and protection against nightmares.
Since the Druids would collect the plant during the winter solstice, they likely decorated their homes with it during Christmas — even if they didn’t kiss beneath it.
Ancient Greece
LiveScience reports that the tradition of kissing under the mistletoe began in Greece during the Saturnalia festival, an ancient Roman festival honoring…
