The Real Meaning of Mistletoe

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Mistletoe, the festive plant we associate with kisses and holiday cheer, has an origin story that's far less romantic. Its name comes from Old English, where mistel means dung and tan or toe means twig. Together, they form "dung-on-a-twig"—a nod to how mistletoe grows.

This peculiar name arose because mistletoe seeds are spread through bird droppings. Birds eat the plant’s berries and excrete the seeds, which conveniently stick to tree branches, germinating into the parasitic plant we recognize. This unflattering start contrasts sharply with mistletoe's later reputation as a symbol of love and fertility.

In ancient cultures, mistletoe held mystical significance due to its ability to thrive in winter when other plants withered. It became a symbol of life and renewal, eventually morphing into a romantic tradition. So next time you share a kiss under mistletoe, remember—you’re celebrating dung’s unlikely role in festive romance!

Gorgeous wreath stitched from: @JennysWreathBoutique