Under the Mistletoe: Myths, Magic, and Marvels of a Holiday Icon

Fiona argues that mistletoe is not just for Christmas!

Photo by micheile henderson on Unsplash

With Christmas just around the corner and as I was putting up my own holiday decorations, I found myself thinking about tradional greenery. Mistletoe came to mind – that classic holiday plant we associate with kissing under its branches.

Interestingly though mistletoe isn't just a festive decoration. It has a much deeper history, full of folklore, fascinating biology, and even a bit of magic!

I thought I’d take you on a wee journey to uncover what makes European Mistletoe (Viscum album) so interesting, both culturally and scientifically.

Photo by Chris Fry on Unsplash

Mistletoe has been a special plant for centuries, especially in European cultures. Its ability to stay green through the winter made it a symbol of vitality and endurance, people believed mistletoe had magical properties.

One of the most famous myths comes from Norse mythology, where the god Baldur – who was thought to be invincible – was killed by a spear made of mistletoe. It was the only plant that hadn’t sworn allegiance to him! But there’s a twist: Baldur’s mother, Frigg, used mistletoe to bring him back to life, turning the plant into a symbol of peace and love.

Photo by Gioele Fazzeri on Unsplash

The Celts also held mistletoe in high regard, especially when it grew on oak trees. Druids would harvest it during the winter solstice with a golden sickle to bring prosperity and good health in the coming year. The famous Roman writer Pliny the Elder wrote that the druids considered mistletoe sacred, believing it could make barren animals fertile and even cure poison. In the Middle Ages, people also valued mistletoe for its medicinal properties. It was thought to help with ailments like headaches and high blood pressure, and it was often hung up in homes during winter to protect against evil spirits which might bring illness.

And then there’s the tradition of kissing under the mistletoe – a custom that goes back to 18th-century England. It probably has roots in both Norse and Roman traditions. In ancient Rome, mistletoe was linked to fertility, and kissing beneath it was thought to bring love and goodwill.

Over time, this evolved into the charming holiday tradition we all know today, where mistletoe symbolizes peace and affection, and goodwill to all. The practice of kissing under mistletoe became widespread in the Victorian era. It then evolved to become a popular and attractive decoration, and anyone standing under it could expect a kiss, which symbolized good luck and affection.

Mistletoe isn’t just pretty – it’s also pretty unusual! It’s a hemi-parasite, which means it grows on the branches of trees like apple, hawthorn, and oak, sucking nutrients and water from its host. Unlike most plants, it doesn’t have traditional roots. Instead, it has a special structure called a haustorium that taps into the tree’s tissues.

congerdesign, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Even though mistletoe can photosynthesize and make some of its own food, it still relies heavily on its host tree for nutrients. This parasitic relationship doesn’t usually kill the tree, but if mistletoe grows too much, it can weaken the host plant over time. Mistletoe has leathery leaves and small, toxic berries. While these berries are harmful to humans, birds, especially thrushes, love to eat them and spread the seeds. The sticky seeds can end up on other trees, where they begin the parasitic cycle again.

Mistletoe is also known for its biological compounds, like viscotoxins and lectins, which help fight cancer and boost the immune system. In fact, some anticancer drugs are made from mistletoe extracts!

Most of the mistletoe sold in stores for Christmas comes from apple orchards in England. You might be wondering why you don’t see much mistletoe around in certain places, (like in the highlands of Scotland) and thats because it is much rarer here and in Ireland, than in England and Wales. There are small pockets of it around Edinburgh, but with the climate changing, some experts believe mistletoe could spread further north, though that’s still by far uncertain. It seems that a bird called the blackcap – which migrates from Europe and loves spreading mistletoe – might be helping the plant spread in the UK.

Photo by Europeana on Unsplash

While surveys from the 70s and 90s show mistletoe’s distribution, it’s important to collect more data, and mistletoe is an under reaserched plant. The tree council are currently undertaking a survey, so while you are out on your winter walks keep a look out for any and you can record it through their MistleGO! App. You can find out more information about their research at Mistletoe Research

Mistletoe can also be found in other parts of the world, from Asia to North America. In places like Australia, it grows on eucalyptus trees.

From ancient myths to modern Christmas traditions, mistletoe is more than just a decoration. It’s a plant with a rich history, mysterious biology, and deep cultural significance. Whether it's hanging in doorways during the holidays or being studied by scientists for its medicinal properties, mistletoe continues to fascinate us. So next time you find yourself under the mistletoe, take a moment to think about its incredible journey through history and the mysteries it still holds for our health and vitality.

Fiona MacLean is the dedicated North Lochaber Ranger with over two decades of experience in preserving the natural beauty of the region. With a profound passion for the environment, Fiona excels in engaging with the community, to ignite curiousity, appreciation and understanding of Scotland’s unique landscapes. Join Fiona as she continues to explore and protect the countryside, inspiring us all to cherish and sustain our natural heritage.