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Yule and Christmas Secular activity ideas to enjoy the festive spirit of the season.

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  #1  
Unread 11-12-2006, 01:44 PM
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Mistletoe Facts

Mistletoe, the evergreen plant that we kiss under at Christmas time has long been surrounded with mystery, magic and intrigue.

The plant itself often grows on other trees and shrubs, it had long wing-like leaves and white berries which are filled with a sticky juice. The berries have been used to treat some ailments, but are poisonous to humans and should not be touched by children (and some adults too!), but the berries and leaves provide high-protein food for many animals. Many bird species rely on mistletoe for food and nesting material. Butterflies lay their eggs on the plants and use the nectar as food. Mistletoe is also an important pollen and nectar plant for bees.There are 1,300 species of Mistletoe worldwide, of which 20 are endangered!:wreath:

The name 'mistletoe' originated from the observation that mistletoe plants seemingly sprang spontaneously from the excrement of the "mistel" (or "missel") thrush. People noticed that mistletoe plants would often appear on a twig where these birds had left their excrement. The "-toe" suffix was originally "tan" and meant "twig". Mistle-toe, then, is literally the "twig of the mistel thrush." Some 'brains' have gone further, pointing out that the very name of the mistel thrush seems to derive from an Indo-European root for excrement; thus they argue that mistletoe plant is literally the "dung twig." How romantic! :crazy:

Mistletoe could become a "golden bough" because when the plants wither and die (including evergreens), mistletoe takes on a golden hue. But botany and folklore is most likely mingled to arrive at this explanation: The idea of a goldenness in the dried leaves of mistletoe plants was probably influenced by the fact that, in European folklore, it was thought that most mistletoe plants in are brought to earth when lightning strikes a tree in a blaze of gold. :shocked:

There are numerous legends and traditions linked with mistletoe, the most popular being the kissing malarky one! :kiss: The belief was that a kiss under the mistletoe would lead to marriage! The Druids, in ancient times, believed that mistletoe would bring good luck and health. The also believed mistletoe growing on oak trees was the most sacred form of the plant and it offered protection from all evil, as well as being the source of much magic.The early Christian church banned the use of mistletoe because of its association with Druids. In medieval times, women wishing to conceive would wrap mistletoe around their waist and wrists to increase their fertility. Traditionally in Scandinavia, if enemies met under mistletoe they would lay down their weapons and not fight until the following day. :reading:
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  #2  
Unread 11-08-2007, 11:39 PM
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This is absolutely fab

A year on & still a fascinating read !!!
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Unread 11-11-2007, 01:26 PM
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Great read :)

I used to stick it to reindeer head bands when I was younger, for easy kissing without having to put your beer down...lol

Jayne
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