Mistletoe

Me lembro de, certa vez, uma professora de inglês me contar que mistletoe era um tipo de arranjo colocado nas portas das casas durante o período de Natal, e que, segundo a tradição, um casal que se beijasse under the mistletoe, teria sorte no relacionamento (tinha um mistletoe na porta da Fisk naquela época, foi uma beijação geral, rs).

De qualquer forma, aí vai a historinha, caso vejam um por aí, arrastem seus amores para um kiss under the mistletoe.



The Druids considered the mistletoe to be a sacred plant and believed it had miraculous properties which could cure illnesses, serve as an antidote against poisons, ensure fertility and protect against the ill effects of witchcraft. Moreover, whenever enemies met under the mistletoe in the forest, they had to lay down their arms and observe a truce until the next day. From this has seemingly come the ancient custom of hanging a ball of mistletoe from the ceiling and exchanging kisses under it as a sign of friendship and goodwill.

Another version, however, says that this custom, which was widespread among the Anglo-Saxons, was connected to the legend of Freya, goddess of love, beauty and fertility. According to legend, a man had to kiss any young girl who, without realizing it, found herself accidentally under a sprig of mistletoe hanging from the ceiling.

Even if the pagan significance has been long forgotten, the custom of exchanging a kiss under the mistletoe can still be found in many European countries as well as in Canada. Thus if a couple in love exchanges a kiss under the mistletoe, it is interpreted as a promise to marry, as well as a prediction of happiness and long life. In France, the custom linked to mistletoe was reserved for New Year’s Day: "Au gui l’An neuf" (Mistletoe for the New Year). Today, kisses can be exchanged under the mistletoe any time during the holiday season.

Source: http://www.culture.gouv.fr/culture/noel/angl/gui.htm