Mistletoe is a small evergreen parasitic plant that grows in clusters on trees. It has white berries and it has been used for centuries as a symbol of love, fertility, and peace. The Greeks used mistletoe as a cure for all sorts of ailments while the Roman naturalist Pliny the Elder noted it could be used as a balm against epilepsy, ulcers and poisons.

The Druids came to view it as a sacred symbol of vivacity, and they gave it to humans and animals alike in the hope of restoring fertility. However, one of the most popular legends about mistletoe and probably the reason we associated this plant with kissing dates back to Norse mythology.

But how did it become associated with kissing? How did kissing under the mistletoe become popular? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions!

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A podcast written and realised by Amber Minogue.

First broadcast : 21/12/2023

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