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Mistletoe
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| Mistletoe is a parasite, living off of other trees, gradually draining them of their sap and energy until they die. It is also poisonous and should be kept out of reach of children and pets. There must be a reason such a plant became a popular Christmas decoration with a romantic legend. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| The Celtic Druids considered mistletoe a "miracle-working" plant and it was ceremonially cut at the Winter and Summer Solstice festivals. Sprigs were hung over doors to indicate that past grievances were forgiven and that the home was free of hatred and evil. For Pagan Norsemen, it was the "Plant of Peace." Any home displaying a branch of misletoe over its door was safe from its enemies. Men that met under its branches would stop fighting. Kissing under the mistletoe seems to be an English custom. According to legend, if a girl stands under a sprig of mistletoe, she cannot refuse the kisses of anyone near. |
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| One of the oldest legends associated with mistletoe is Nordic. An arrow made of mistletoe killed Balder, The Glorious, the son of Odin and Freya, the goddess of love, beauty and fertility. Freya's tears turned into the mistletoe berries. She promised to bestow a kiss on anyone who passed beneath the mistletoe and could save her son. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Mistletoe has been used as a decoration for centuries. It's dark green foliage and white berries, thought to symbolize love and peace, have made it a Yuletide favorite. If you are using mistletoe in your holiday decorations, please remember to protect you pets and children from its hazards. |
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| Holly's Christmas Story | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Feed The Birds | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gift of the Magi | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Back to Charlie's Index | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 11/00 | cbh_castaway@Yahoo.com | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||