Kiss branch from Toy Story. New Year's plants from different countries
Common names: witch's nest, witch's broom, mistletoe, bird glue (Birdlime, because of the gluten contained in the berries and attracts birds), winter seeds, goat nuts, bird nuts, oak berries, herb of the cross (in French, Herbe de la Croix , the name reflects the beliefs that the cross of Jesus Christ was made from mistletoe wood), "panacea" (all-heal, English), jemiola (Polish), atsystyrva (Abkhazian), mgamurch (Armenian), pitri (Georgian).
Botanical name: Viscum album L.
Pharmaceutical: mistletoe herb - Visci heiba (formerly: Herba Visci albi).
Generic name: from the Latin viscum - bird glue; Latin albus - white.
In ancient manuscripts -
Planet: Earth.
Zodiac sign: Taurus, Libra.
Element: Air.
Aura: warm.
Language of flowers: “kiss me”, affection, overcoming difficulties.
Main properties: fertility, healing, luck, protection from evil.
Mistletoe - a sacred plant of ancient Europeans
Another plant with which beautiful Christmas beliefs and rituals are associated is mistletoe. Mistletoe is a sacred plant and since time immemorial it has been an object of superstitious worship in Europe.
As follows from the famous text of Pliny, she was, in particular, worshiped by the Druids. They considered this plant holy and believed that it could heal any disease and protect from evil. They attributed especially strong qualities to those rare plants that they found on oak trees.
In ancient Irish writing, mistletoe was a sign of healing and development of the spirit. Later the plant took place of honor in witchcraft and magic: he was credited with the power of a talisman, a love spell, as well as a means to increase fertility and successful hunting. Women wishing to conceive wore sprigs of mistletoe around their waists or wrists.
National names for mistletoe include "oak berries" in Russian, crucifix herb (Herbe de la Croix, reflecting the belief that the cross of Jesus Christ was made from mistletoe wood) in French, and bird glue (Birdlime, due to the gluten contained in in berries and attracting birds) and panacea (all-heal) in English.
The healing properties of mistletoe
Medieval healers considered mistletoe a panacea and a universal antidote. For a long time Mistletoe was used as a cure for epilepsy.
In modern medicine, young shoots and leaves of mistletoe are used as part of hemostatic drugs, agents for lowering blood pressure and reducing the activity of the central nervous system. nervous system.
Mistletoe is especially popular as a Christmas plant in Europe. Every year, Europeans buy an elegant sprig of mistletoe and, bringing it into the house, hang it somewhere higher. A wonderful tradition associated with this plant is to kiss each time you pass under it.
The most common species in western and southern Europe is mistletoe (V. album), a plant with thin branches, narrow paired leaves and yellowish-white berries. In the north and east of Europe, colored mistletoe (V. coloratum Nakai) is found, very similar to white mistletoe, only with yellow-orange berries. Each mistletoe berry contains only one seed. 
Mistletoes take root and grow into spherical bushes high in the branches of old trees. moisture and nutrients Mistletoes are taken from the tree on which they grow, running their roots deep under the bark of the “host”.
Mistletoes prefer to “settle” on apple trees, although they can also be seen on other trees with softer bark: hawthorn, oak, poplar, linden, rowan, chestnut, birch and even some conifers. In winter, when the leaves almost completely fly away from deciduous trees, mistletoe bushes are especially visible on bare branches.
Kisses under the mistletoe
The still popular tradition of kissing under mistletoe branches at Christmas, according to some researchers, originates in Old Norse mythology, where mistletoe was the plant of the goddess of love, beauty and fertility, Freya.
Having met under the mistletoe, the enemy warriors had to lay down their arms before the end of the day. Other researchers believe that it comes from wedding ceremonies that were traditionally celebrated during the Saturnian winter festivals in Ancient Rome - in their place with the advent of Christianity, Christmas began to be celebrated.
In the process of fighting to eradicate paganism, the Christian Church tried to ban the use of mistletoe, but was not successful.
And nowadays, European Christmas markets offer thin branches with inconspicuous yellowish berries, under which couples in love kiss with pleasure at Christmas (American lovers kiss under yellowish foradendron (Phoradendron serotinum), a local relative of mistletoe, with wider leaves and the same as in mistletoe, berries).
mistletoe takes root and grows into spherical bushes high in the branches of old trees. Moisture and nutrients mistletoe takes from the tree on which it grows, sending its roots deep under the bark of the host (see. photo of mistletoe below). mistletoe prefers to settle on an apple tree, but you can see mistletoe and on other trees with soft bark: hawthorn, poplar, linden, chestnut, rowan, birch, oak and even some conifers. In winter, when the leaves have flown off the deciduous trees, the bushes mistletoe are especially noticeable on bare crowns. In our zone (climatic zone 8) mistletoe blooms at the end of winter and white berries hold on mistletoe more than a year.
Mistletoe, application
Medieval doctors believed mistletoe panacea and universal antidote. Many centuries mistletoe found application as a cure for epilepsy. In modern medicine, young shoots and leaves mistletoe They are used as part of hemostatic drugs, drugs to lower blood pressure and reduce the activity of the central nervous system. Content of biologically active substances in mistletoe varies depending on which “host” this mistletoe grew on. Upon contact with mistletoe It should be remembered that the juice of the plant can cause irritation of the skin and mucous membranes, and self-medication with using mistletoe unacceptable.
The magical properties of mistletoe
Riddle and mysticism surrounded mistletoe for centuries. mistletoe was an important part of the pagan rituals and celebrations of many European tribes. Druids - priests of the ancient Celts, in whose culture mistletoe played the most significant role, considered the plant holy and believed that mistletoe heals any disease and protects from evil. They attributed especially strong qualities to that rare mistletoe, which was found on an oak tree. In Old Irish writing mistletoe personified a sign of healing and development of the spirit. Later mistletoe took an honorable place in witchcraft and magic: mistletoe attributed the power of a talisman, a love spell, as well as a means to increase fertility and successful hunting. Women who wanted to conceive a child wore mistletoe sprigs at the waist or on the wrists. Among national names mistletoe – oak berries in Russian, crucifix herb (Herbe de la Croix), reflecting the belief that the cross of Jesus Christ was made of wood mistletoe, in French, and also bird glue (Birdlime) due to the gluten contained in the berries and attracting birds) and panacea (all-heal) in English.
Kiss under the mistletoe at Christmas
A popular tradition today kiss under a sprig of mistletoe at Christmas, according to some researchers, originates in Old Norse mythology, where mistletoe was subordinate to the goddess of love, beauty and fertility Freya. Warrior-enemies, having met under mistletoe, had to lay down their arms by the end of the day. Other researchers believe that it comes from wedding ceremonies, which were traditionally celebrated during the Saturnian winter festivals in Ancient Rome (instead, with the advent of Christianity, Christmas began to be celebrated). In the process of fighting to eradicate paganism, the Christian Church tried to ban mistletoe, however, was not successful in this. And nowadays, European Christmas markets offer thin branches mistletoe with inconspicuous yellowish berries, under which couples in love kiss with pleasure at Christmas. American lovers kiss under the yellowish foradendron ( Phoradendron serotinum), an American "relative" mistletoe, with wider leaves and the same as those of mistletoe, berries.
How to grow mistletoe in your garden
In the natural environment mistletoe spread by birds that eat the berries. After passing through the digestive system of birds, the seeds mistletoe fall on the bark and trees and germinate. Sometimes reproduction mistletoe What happens is even more interesting: the sticky berry sticks to the bird’s beak and, trying to tear it off, the bird rubs its beak on the wood of another tree, transferring the seeds mistletoe. Seed mistletoe sticks to the bark of the new “host” and remains on it until it gives rise to a root that grows under the bark. Thus, the gluten contained in berries mistletoe and preserved on its seeds, is an extremely important quality for the preservation of the genus.
Green, even in winter, mistletoe is not particularly beautiful, but it occupies a prominent place in Christmas floristry. It is included in New Year's holiday compositions and wreaths; branches of this plant are hung under a chandelier, and they are used to decorate the house and front door on the eve of Christmas. Many signs and beliefs are associated with the magical properties of mistletoe.
Paintings with mistletoe: on the right - A. Mukha “Portrait of a girl with mistletoe”; on the left - K. Vitkovsky “Under the Mistletoe”.
About the plant
Mistletoe is used for medicinal purposes: the extract of its leaves is used to make medicines for hypertension. Bird glue is also made from its fruits, used for catching small birds.
Signs and superstitions
Even the ancient Greeks and Romans considered mistletoe a symbol of life and strong protection. There was also an opinion that if a woman carries this plant with her, it promotes conception. Among the Druids, the collection of mistletoe was accompanied by a special ritual: it was cut with a golden sickle at certain astronomical hours, on a specially selected tree, in the presence of people who had undergone purification.
In Scandinavian countries, this plant was considered a symbol of peace. Decorating the outside of houses with mistletoe meant that the owners were ready to host a traveler. If enemies met under a tree with this plant, they had to lay down their weapons for the whole day.
There are also famous Western Christmas traditions involving mistletoe. For example, if two people meet under a branch of this plant, they are obliged to kiss.
Christmas mistletoe
It is believed that the tradition is to decorate your houses with branches of this plant on the eve of winter holidays appeared in England during the time of the Druids, who considered it sacred. Initially, it was customary to hang only bunches of mistletoe. Later, the traditional Advent wreath appeared, which is decorated with evergreens. Most often mistletoe, ivy or holly are used for this.
Before the spread of the Christmas tree in the second half of the 19th century, this plant was a traditional symbol of Christmas in England. Because of the custom of kissing under a mistletoe branch, it is also called the “kissing branch.”
Another symbol of mistletoe is to protect the house from evil spirits and magic. Her presence in the house at Christmas meant protection from thunder and lightning, as well as from witchcraft.
English postcards with mistletoe.
In France, mistletoe branches are given to each other as a “good luck gift.” This is the name by which this plant is known here.
Since very ancient times, mistletoe has been considered one of the most magical, mysterious and sacred plants mentioned in European folklore. Ancient manuscripts claim that it can bestow life and fertility, protect against poison, and be a powerful aphrodisiac. But where did the tradition of bringing a mistletoe branch into the house at Christmas come from?
An ancient legend associated with mistletoe
Supposedly, the tradition of kissing under mistletoe has its roots in the history of the ancient Vikings. Around 800 AD e. the first recorded mythical evidence of this appeared. Although, that first kiss under the mistletoe was not a symbol of a man’s love for a woman, but a manifestation mother's love to my son. At that time, the pantheon of barbarian deities was very numerous. And one day it happened that one of the gods - Balder, the god of the summer sun - was killed by poison from mistletoe. According to ancient beliefs, this meant that soon all life on earth would die. His mother, the goddess of love - Frigg - with incredible efforts managed to bring him back to life after three days. Out of joy that her son opened his eyes again and smiled at her, she kissed everyone who passed under the mistletoe, and her tears became pearly white berries on a wild plant.
But the ancient Greeks made mistletoe a cult for lovers. They came up with a beautiful ritual, which every year became the final event of the Saturnalia festival. Then the guys took a sprig of mistletoe, approached the girl they liked, and kissed her. The days of the festival were a fertile time during which lovers were allowed to openly demonstrate their feelings. Soon, kissing under the mistletoe became a primitive wedding ceremony.
... the deification of plants, animals, stones is a completely logical act for paganism. But what does the kiss have to do with it? This is not clear...
The modern ritual of “kissing under the mistletoe”
Apparently because mistletoe can reconcile warring people, bring shy people closer together, and make modest ones more relaxed, the Christmas ritual of “kissing under the mistletoe” lives and flourishes to this day. Although, modern tradition kissing is a little different from the ancient one. Now, at a certain time of the Christmas holiday, the girl stands under a bunch of mistletoe and waits.
If among those present there is a guy in love with her, he should rush to kiss her. His kiss is a silent marriage proposal. The girl, in turn, cannot refuse a kiss to the guy (so says the sacred law of the ancient Vikings). If she is ready to share her future life with him, then she must, as a sign of consent, pick a berry from the mistletoe. Such a union, concluded under mistletoe, is considered blessed by time, people and God. In some parts of England, there is another rite. On the 12th day after Christmas, the mistletoe under which the boys and girls kissed is burned. This means that they can no longer change their decision, and must definitely get married.
And if among those present there is no guy in love with a girl? What then?
If a girl remains “unkissed” under the mistletoe, this means that she will not marry in the coming year. Although, in principle, in our time one can look at the ancient Druids, Celts and Greeks, to put it mildly, philosophically.
Christmas mistletoe and celebrities
This is exactly what our and foreign stars do. They even organize charity auctions abroad. Their essence: to buy for a lot of money the right to kiss a famous person (actor, musician, politician, etc.) under a mistletoe umbrella. And, believe me, there are many who want to pay millions to perform a ritual with an idol!
For example, this year at the Christmas auction in Covent Garden (London), world dance TV star Louis Spence bought the right to kiss the famous British TV presenter Christina Blakely under the mistletoe for 25,000 euros.
At the same time, in Madison Square Garden, in New York, actors Harry Styles and Lime Payne bought the right to kiss the popular singer Taylor Swift under the mistletoe for “an amount equivalent to the cost of a good car in the USA.” Now, however, it is not clear how they will divide the mistletoe berry and the bride so desired by many?
And the popular host of the American entertainment show Michelle Roseman decided not to part with mistletoe during Christmas! At the same time (completely free!) he kissed all the stars who came to his broadcast! Eh, a rogue and an entertainer!
Russian traditions and Christmas mistletoe
Our Russian boys and girls, in recent years also actively began to adopt ancient European traditions. True, often our guys, in order to kiss a girl, are too lazy to climb a tall oak tree and cut the mistletoe... It’s difficult, and their feet get cold in January... And the Russian traditional viburnum perfectly fulfills the role of a bunch of poisonous mistletoe, even better, because it you can eat!
Our grandfathers and great-grandfathers also kissed under the viburnum, took oaths of allegiance, vows to wait until after the war.
And a Russian girl will not modestly, like a European or an American, stand under the mistletoe and wait for someone to kiss her! Our “ladies” are used to taking the bull by the horns! And if a suitable guy is not in the “reach zone”, Santa Claus is also a great choice! Well, really, you can’t be a girl all your life!
Eh, what a good tradition! It's a pity that Christmas only comes once a year! And this means that if you want to take an oath of love and fidelity for life, and receive a blessing higher powers for a future union, do you have to wait for months? “You don’t have to wait, but act smarter!”, the experienced ones recommend. For example, give your girlfriend earrings with mistletoe berries. Let him try it on. And you, at this time, do not waste time! Put our advice into practice and let happiness burst into your life!
Today, mistletoe wreaths and ball pendants are a mandatory Christmas attribute in Europe and America. Their role is not so much decorative as romantic: after all, under the mistletoe it is customary to kiss your other half and any other person with whom we sympathize. In ancient times, this sacred plant had deep symbolism and was surrounded by many legends that have been forgotten today. But it’s much more interesting to follow traditions, knowing where it all began!
Ancient Britain
The Druids had an unusual tradition of collecting mistletoe, and plants that grew on oak branches were especially respected - this was a sign that the tree was marked by the gods. On the sixth lunar day, priests dressed in white climbed the tree and cut the plant with a golden sickle - since, according to beliefs, mistletoe should not come into contact with iron. It also should not touch the ground, otherwise it will lose its magical properties, so the collected branches were folded into a white cloak. Properly obtained mistletoe was considered a good cure for epilepsy and served as both poison and medicine. To protect the home from evil spirits, mistletoe sprigs were hung from the ceiling, and women dreaming of children always carried a sprig of mistletoe with them.
Scandinavian myths
In Scandinavia, mistletoe served as a symbol of truce: even warring Vikings, having met under it, laid down their arms and had to maintain peace until next day. The roots of this custom go back to folklore. The “New Year’s” Scandinavian legend tells that the brave and wise god of the summer sun Balder, the son of Odin and the goddess of love Freya, once had a dream that spoke of the approach of death. In an effort to protect her beloved son, Freya made a promise from the elements of fire, water, air and earth so that they would not harm Balder. She made that request to all the animals and plants, but forgot about the mistletoe growing high above her head. Then the evil and treacherous god Loki smeared the arrow with mistletoe poison, which killed Balder. But the gods took pity on the inconsolable mother and resurrected him (on the day winter solstice). Out of joy, Freya began to kiss everyone she met under the white mistletoe berries that grew from her tears. Since then, it has been believed that mistletoe gives life and heals from illness, and a kiss under the mistletoe is the key to all-conquering love.
And quarreling spouses or lovers could also reconcile under mistletoe, since this plant has pearl berries and leaves that grow in pairs and never separate. Bunches of this good plant were hung over the entrance to the house - so that “everyone who enters here” would leave bad intentions, and travelers would know that they would find shelter here.
Ancient traditions
The custom of kissing under a mistletoe branch at Christmas may also come from the ancient Roman Saturnalia on the day of the winter solstice: on this day wedding ceremonies were held, and those present were allowed to kiss even complete strangers.
In Virgil's Aeneid main character on the advice of the Sibyl, he obtains the “golden branch of mistletoe” and sacrifices it to Proserpine in order to get to the underworld and see his father. In the same way, the plant was called by the ministers of the cult of Diana: in a sacred grove near the city of Aricia there was an oak tree “blessed” by mistletoe, which was guarded by the “king of the forest,” the husband of Diana. A slave was usually appointed as a guard, who retained this title as long as he was able, with a weapon in his hands, to block access to the tree to another contender for this title.
Mistletoe in Christianity
Yule, the holiday of the rebirth of Balder, Saturnalia - with the advent of Christianity, a big fat cross was put up on all these holidays, and in the literal sense. In order to keep people busy, it was decided to celebrate Christmas on these days. Mistletoe, which too vividly revived old traditions in the minds of people, was called an unclean plant and became the only evergreen branch that was not allowed into the church.
But people still didn’t forget about “oak berries” - and how can you forget, when this is practically all the visible greenery during the long winter months! Mistletoe has no roots in the ground, and people could only guess where it came from on the tree. In the end, they decided that the rounded bushes appeared on those branches that were struck by lightning. So in Switzerland, the Czech Republic and Germany, mistletoe began to be called “thunder broom”, and bunches of the plant were burned in the oven - to protect the house from lightning strikes and at the same time from witches and evil spirits.
Later, mistletoe began to be called “bird glue” - and not only because the berries can be used to make good natural glue. Birds eat these gifts of nature and get dirty with sticky juice. Flying from tree to tree, they clean their beaks on branches and carry seeds - this is the whole secret of the “intimate life” of mistletoe.
Revival of traditions
Interest in their past flared up during the Renaissance and never left people. So in the “Victorian” 18th century, mistletoe finally returned to Britain, and then Europe and America - but in a slightly different guise. According to Christmas customs, under brightly decorated Christmas wreaths of mistletoe branches and evergreens, any two people must kiss and pinch off a mistletoe berry. Those who deliberately kiss under such a wreath at Christmas are considered engaged - and will certainly get married in the coming year. Mistletoe also symbolizes good luck and prosperity, so in France the traditional greeting sounds like “Happy mistletoe in the New Year!”
