WHO, WHAT, WHERE, AND WHEN

'Our first kiss was under the parasite' would probably not be a good first liner for a romantic novel. 

 There are a myriad of folktales involving mistletoe taken from the mythology of many cultures. My favorite is one I have had in my files for years which unfortunately wasn't sourced at the time, but it is worth sharing. 

 The myth is that the common name of the plant is derived from the ancient belief that mistletoe was propagated from bird droppings. This belief was related to the then accepted principle that life could spring spontaneously from dung. 

 It was observed that mistletoe would often appear on a branch or twig where birds left droppings. According to the myth, 'mistel' is the Anglo-Saxon word for 'dung' and 'tan' is the word for 'twig'. -mistletoe means 'dung-on-a-twig'.

   

By the 16th century, botanists discovered that the parasite was spread by seeds that passed through the digestive tract of birds. Botanists observed that sticky seeds tended to cling to the bills of birds. When the birds cleaned their bills by rubbing them against the branches or bark of trees the seeds were further scattered.

No winter plant carries as much mystique and folklore as the mistletoe. Eventually centuries later, mistletoe found its way into acceptance as a symbol of love, romance and good luck. Mistletoe is a parasitic green plant with yellowish flowers and waxy white berries that grows on deciduous trees, mainly oak. The roots penetrate through the tree bark into the wood robbing the host tree of water and nutrients. Lovely and mystical as it seems it can be a problem.   

To clarify, the parasitic yellow-green growth we see in the junipers in Central Oregon is NOT the same as the growth in oak trees and sometimes, apple trees.

 Holly is usually mentioned in the same breath as mistletoe so here are a few fun facts to add to holiday party conversations. In Wales, family quarrels are thought to occur if holly is brought into the house prior to Christmas Eve. If decorations are left up beyond New Year's or Twelfth night, it is said that a misfortune will occur for each leaf and branch remaining. Some observe the tradition of placing little lighted candles on holly leaves and floating them on water. If they float it is a sign that the project the person has in mind at the time will prosper, but if they sink it is as well to abandon it. 

Use your newfound knowledge as best you can and have a MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!!