Table of Contents
The origins of kissing under the mistletoe, a plant that often bears white berries, are often traced to a tale in Norse mythology about the god Baldur. In many tellings, Frigg declares the mistletoe to be a symbol of love after her son’s death and promises to kiss anyone who passed underneath it.
Why do you kiss someone under mistletoe?
Kissing under sprigs of mistletoe is a well-known holiday tradition, but this little plant’s history as a symbolic herb dates back thousands of years. Delighted, Frigg then declared mistletoe a symbol of love and vowed to plant a kiss on all those who passed beneath it.
What happens if you don’t kiss under the mistletoe?
The tradition said that it’s bad luck to refuse to be kissed under the mistletoe. That being said, make sure that you don’t eat the berries because they may be poisonous. It’s an interesting tradition that has its roots in ancient history.
Is it cheating if you kiss someone under the mistletoe?
Mistletoe is almost a binding legal contract! Women were more forgiving of mistletoe kisses, 41% say it’s not cheating, compared to 34% of men. Older people are also MUCH cooler with their significant other kissing people under the mistletoe than younger people.
Do you have to kiss on the lips under mistletoe?
4. Mistletoe kissing is not mandatory. If you find yourself standing side-by-side under the mistletoe with your boss, a stranger, or literally anyone you’re not trying to smooch, try an air kiss, hug, handshake, high five or a shoulder shrug instead. 5.
Who invented kissing under the mistletoe?
The tradition of kissing under the mistletoe started in ancient Greece, during the festival of Saturnalia and later in marriage ceremonies, because of the plant’s association with fertility. During the Roman era, enemies at war would reconcile their differences under the mistletoe, which to them represented peace.
What happens if you stand under a mistletoe?
According to custom, if you’re caught standing under the mistletoe, you may get a kiss. Overjoyed, Frigg blessed the mistletoe plant and promised a kiss to all who passed beneath it.
What should you remove after kissing under the mistletoe?
After every kiss a berry should be removed from the bush and once all of the berries have been taken the kissing must cease! Some cultures see a kiss under the mistletoe as a promise to marry so be careful out there boys and girls!.
Why do people kiss with their eyes closed?
Most people can’t focus on anything as close as a face at kissing distance so closing your eyes saves them from looking at a distracting blur or the strain of trying to focus. Kissing can also make us feel vulnerable or self-conscious and closing your eyes is a way of making yourself more relaxed.
Why do people kiss with tongue?
Older research shows that for women, kissing is a way to size up a potential mate. Open mouth and tongue kissing are especially effective in upping the level of sexual arousal, because they increase the amount of saliva produced and exchanged. The more spit you swap, the more turned on you’ll get.
How do you get your crush under the mistletoe?
How to Use Food to Get Your Crush Under the Mistletoe Bribe him with cookies. Threaten to poison his pudding. Tease him with chocolate. Cook him his favorite meal. Eat a chocolate-covered strawberry (slowly) in front of him. Prepare your lips with cherry-flavored lip gloss. Greet him with a piece of apple pie.
What is the mistletoe rule?
Under a sprig of mistletoe, a man must kiss the nearest lady only on the cheek. Once the kissing is done, a berry must be removed from the mistletoe. When all of the berries are gone, the mistletoe has lost its kiss-compelling powers!Dec 5, 2014.
What does a mistletoe symbolize?
Historically, mistletoe represents romance, fertility, and vitality. Because nothing says love like bird feces and poison. But seriously, the Celtic Druids valued mistletoe for its healing properties and likely were among the first to decorate with it.
Why do we kiss?
A kiss is the touch or pressing of one’s lips against another person or an object. Depending on the culture and context, a kiss can express sentiments of love, passion, romance, sexual attraction, sexual activity, sexual arousal, affection, respect, greeting, friendship, peace, and good luck, among many others.
Why do we have mistletoe at Christmas?
Where does the Christmas tradition of mistletoe come from? The tradition of hanging mistletoe dates back to the ancient Druids who believed the plant brought good luck and helped protect against evil spirits. The ancient Greeks used mistletoe for medicine as a pain reliever and for conditions such as ulcers.
How do you kiss someone under the mistletoe?
Acknowledge the Mistletoe Basically, just make sure you give a nod to it before going in for a kiss. “Don’t assume they’re aware of the mistletoe, or even the tradition,” says Singlemann. “Be sure to point it out, and express, ‘You know tradition says we’re supposed to kiss if we’re under a mistletoe…'”Dec 12, 2019.
Which country started putting up a Christmas tree?
Trees have been used in rituals and as decorations since ancient times, thus making the source of the modern Christmas tree open to debate. However, many believe that it originated in Germany. It is claimed that in Germany about 723 the English missionary St.
