Mistletoe: The Green Symbol of Luck and Christmas Tradition. Why Do We Kiss Under It?
Christmas is inseparable from the scent of evergreen branches, sweets, and... mistletoe. This unassuming, evergreen little plant with white berries hangs in nearly every Czech home during the holidays. But do you know why we actually hang it from the ceiling, and what kind of magic is tied to it?
It's not just decoration. According to legend, mistletoe has the power to protect a home and strengthen relationships. Let's take a look at its history and how to incorporate it into your Christmas décor.
Where to buy our mistletoe? (Come visit us)
We offer fresh green and colored mistletoe exclusively in person, at our brick-and-mortar flower shop in Strašnice and at the farmers' market at Kulaťák (Vítězné náměstí).
You won't find it listed separately on our e-shop. The reason is simple – we want to save you money. A bunch of mistletoe costs a lovely 45 CZK with us, while even the cheapest courier delivery runs 130 CZK. It wouldn't make sense to pay more for delivery than for the joy itself. Come visit us in person instead – we'll be happy to pick out the bushiest bunch for you!
The Sacred Plant of the Druids
Reverence for mistletoe reaches deep into history, long before Christian Christmas. For the ancient Celts and Druids, mistletoe was a sacred plant (they called it druad-lus, meaning "the Druids' herb").
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They believed that mistletoe, which grows high in the crowns of trees (most often oaks and apple trees) and never touches the ground, was a gift from heaven.
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The Druids cut it with a golden sickle during the winter solstice. It was important to catch it in a white cloth – it was not allowed to touch the ground, or it would lose its magical power.
Symbolism: Luck, Love, and Protection
Today we buy mistletoe at markets or as part of Christmas bouquets, but the symbolism remains strong:
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Protecting the home: Mistletoe hung above a door or from the ceiling is meant to protect the household from fire, evil spirits, and illness.
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Kissing under the mistletoe: The most famous custom. A man is allowed to kiss any woman who walks beneath hanging mistletoe. This kiss is meant to ensure love and fertility for the coming year.
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Luck must be given as a gift: Superstition says mistletoe only brings luck to whoever receives it as a gift. If you buy it for yourself, it works "only" as decoration. So it makes an ideal small gift for a visit.
Looking for the perfect Christmas gift? Pair your mistletoe with a festive bouquet:
Gold, Silver, or Green?
At the stalls today, you'll see mistletoe in every color.
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Natural green: The classic, which fits rustic and natural interiors.
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Gold and silver: Looks more festive and luxurious. A great complement to modern Advent wreaths.
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Watch out for the berries: White berries are a symbol of luck (the more of them, the better), but they're also sticky and mildly toxic. Keep an eye on children and pets so they don't try to taste them.
How to Keep Mistletoe Fresh?
Mistletoe is a parasite that draws water from its host tree. Once you cut it, it starts to dry out.
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If you just hang it "dry" from a chandelier, it will soon stiffen and turn yellow in a warm apartment (though this doesn't hurt the tradition – even dried mistletoe keeps its power).
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If you want to keep it green longer, store it somewhere cool in a vase of water before hanging it, or stick it into floral foam as part of a table decoration.
Whether you believe in the Druids or simply keep up the custom, mistletoe belongs to Christmas. Don't forget to give it to someone you care about this year – you'll be giving them a little piece of luck.
Team KvětinyExpres.cz
