Mistletoe was for Greek weddings before it was ever for Christmas Pucker up? That adorable little sprig you’re smooching under this season is actually a ruthless parasite that sucks trees of their nutrients. Mistletoe has a long history that took it from you malicious tree-killer to an icon that’s as synonymous as wreathes and holly. Following is a transcript of the video.
That holiday mistletoe? Not as romantic as you would think.
Mistletoe is actually a parasitic plant. It crowds trees in densely packed balls. Weighing up to 50 lbs, it absorbs water and nutrients. Its berries are toxic to humans and pets, and will cause vomiting and stomach pain if ingested.
So, why kiss under it?
Mistletoe’s uses go back thousands of years. The Celtic druids associated it with fertility because it would bloom in winter. A Norse myth tells of mistletoe being used to kill, and then resurrect, the god Baldur. And his mother vowed to kiss all who walked underneath it.
Tech: Mistletoe is actually a tree-killing parasite — here’s how it became a Christmas icon
