Mistletoe

Mistletoe occupies a singular place in European plant lore. Growing as a parasite high in the branches of trees — most prized when found on oak — this evergreen plant that remains lush and berried through winter was considered to hold the concentrated life force of its host tree. The Celts called it 'the all-heal' and the druids harvested it by moonlight using golden sickles, allowing no piece to touch the ground lest its power drain away.

The Norse connection to mistletoe carries tragedy: the death of the beloved god Baldr was caused by a mistletoe dart crafted by the trickster Loki, as it was the one substance from which Baldr's mother had not extracted a promise not to harm him. When Baldr was later restored to life, his grieving mother Frigg declared that mistletoe would henceforth be a symbol of love and reconciliation, not harm — and anyone who passed beneath it should receive a kiss. This myth is the origin of the Christmas kissing tradition.

Mistletoe hung in a home was believed to protect against fire, lightning, witchcraft, and illness. Babies were sometimes laid in a cradle hung with mistletoe for protection. In Wales, placing mistletoe under your pillow was thought to bring prophetic dreams. The plant's apparent defiance of seasons — living green when other plants are dead — made it a potent symbol of life's continuity.