I was kissed under a MISTLETOE once.The darn thing became entangled in my long hair. Could my current marital status have anything to do with that occurrence? Hmm??
During the holiday season we often see Mistletoe hanging over a doorway. From the plant family Santalales, this parasitic greenery (okay, that's pretty off-putting), is a Christmas tradition around the world. Poisonous, the French say that Mistletoe is such because it grew on the tree used to make the Crucifix where Jesus died. The French continue by explaining that Mistletoe was then forever cursed, destined to be a parasite.
The British say that the Mistletoe can perform miracles...fertility in all mammals, a healer of diseases, and protection for humans from witchcraft.
Then we have the Vikings take..which I find disjointed; They say that Mistletoe has the power to raise humans from the dead AND that it adorned the goddess of love, Frigga. (Can someone help me here, please?)
The kissing tradition is vague.We do know, however, that when a couple smooches under the Mistletoe, they will have a long and happy married life. When an unmarried woman is passed by, she will remain single for another year. (Bummer.) And, when it becomes entangled...well, that's a whole other kettle of fish.
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POINSETTIA has a healthier association in my psyche. My mom loved them so, and the holiday season brought dozens into our home.
Poinsettia is a cultured and imported plant from the family, Spurge. A tropical and wild shrub, it grows in Mexico.The poinsettia is usually scarlet in color and bears a small yellow flower. A common Christmas display in North America, this greenery was named after Joel Roberts Pointsett, the first U.S minister to Mexico in 1825.
The star-shaped leaf pattern is said to symbolize the leaf pattern of the Star of Bethlehem. The red color depicts the 'blood sacrifice' at the Crucifixion of Jesus. December 12 is National Poinsettia Day. Oh FYI- this plant is poisonous to your pets, so take care, please.
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"At Christmas play and make good cheer,
For Christmas comes but once a year."
~ Thomas Tusser "The Farmer's Daily Diet"
