Kissing under the mistletoe dates back to England during the 16th Century and a sprig of it hung over a doorway remains one of the Christmas Seasons most cherished traditions. The Druids in Celtic Britain worshiped its spiritual and healing powers and was often hung from ceilings or doorways to drive off the evil spirits and also to insure fertility.

Believe it or not, mistletoe is considered a parasitic plant. It sends its roots into the bark of trees and draws water and nutrients from it. Mistletoe is grown in the eastern United States from New Jersey to Florida and west toTexas and Illinois.  Mistletoe has evergreen leaves that feel leathery to the touch. It grows in a ball shape and usually has white berries.  New batches of mistletoe are found during the Winter Solstice. 

Mistletoe has many herbal uses.  It has been used to help with high blood pressure, anxiety, headaches and even to treat cancer.  There are also many myths and magical tales surrounding mistletoe.  People hung it in there house all year long to protect their home from fire and evil energy and also placed it over baby’s cribs to protect the baby from goblins. 

For Christmas, mistletoe is a symbol of peace, joy and love.  It should be the first decoration you put up and the last to come down.  In the 18th century it was believed that people who kissed under the mistletoe would marry.  Today the mistletoe kiss can be about romance, friendship or fun.  Hang it in a doorway and those who walk under it are expected to kiss.  This is always a huge hit at parties and can even lead to some interesting or embarrassing situations.

Mistletoe led to the creation of the kissing ball.  The kissing ball is a fresh or artificial ball of evergreens decorated with ribbons and ornaments.  People who walk under a kissing ball can not refuse a kiss.  Stop down toDees’ and grab some mistletoe and let’s get the smooching going. For all the ladies reading this email, we provide free testing of the mistletoe before you leave.

Merry Christmas and Happy Chanukah from the GardenCenter

Joe DiDominica

Dees’ Nursery & Florist

OceansideNY11572

www.deesnursery.com

joe@deesnursery.com