Did you know......?

[Jax]

So with the christmas feeling in the air, what wierd and wonderful facts do we know.

For instance, mistletoe in Anglo-saxon means dung on a twig!

[singleseeder]

Did you know.....

that you can have a fab day without all of the glitz that we are seeing in the mags, shops and tv? You don't have to prove anything to anyone.

[Newton]

So with the christmas feeling in the air, what wierd and wonderful facts do we know.

For instance, mistletoe in Anglo-saxon means dung on a twig!

Why would you want to kiss under dung on a twig?

[Jax]

singleseeder, I do agree. However, a little glitz and glam can be good too

Newton, I dont really know. Let me go and find out.

[Newton]

My oh says she would kiss George clooney under a dung twig......

[Jax]

Since ancient times, the mistletoe has been one of the most magical, mysterious and sacred plants of European folklore.

The ancient Druids considered the mistletoe to be a sacred plant and believed it had miraculous powers which could cure illnesses, serve as an antidote against poisons, ensure fertility and protect against the ill effects of witchcraft. It was also believed that the mistletoe was an aphrodisiac or a sexual symbol.

From these strange beliefs has come the modern-day custom of hanging a ball of mistletoe from the ceiling and exchanging kisses under it as a sign of friendship and goodwill.

The tradition of smooching under the mistletoe descends from the customs of several different cultures. For instance, exchanging kisses under the mistletoe was a tradition of Greek festivals and marital ceremonies. 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.

The Anglo-Saxons associated the powers of the mistletoe to the legend of Freya, the goddess of love, beauty and fertility. According to the 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. Guys would pluck a berry when they smooched the girls and when the last berry was gone, there would be no more kissing!

In France, the custom linked to the 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.
Did you know?

Although the mistletoe is considered to be the seed of love, the common name of the plant is derived from the ancient belief that mistletoe grew from bird droppings. This strange belief was related to the ancient principle that life could spring spontaneously from dung.

In ancient times, people observed that mistletoe appeared on a branch or twig where birds had left droppings. "Mistel" is the Anglo-Saxon word for "dung," and "tan" is the word for "twig". So, mistletoe actually means "dung-on-a-twig". What a strange meaning for a plant that is supposed to bring love and happiness!

In Scandinavia, mistletoe was considered a plant of peace, under which enemies could declare a truce or warring spouses kiss and make-up. Whenever enemies met under the mistletoe in the forest, they had to lay down their arms and observe a truce until the next day.

Today's custom of using mistletoe to decorate houses at Christmas is a survival of European beliefs and traditions. In Europe, branches of mistletoe were hung from ceilings to ward off evil spirits. In some countries, they were placed over house and stable doors to prevent the entrance of witches.

[Jax]

My little bit of research done

[Jeanied]

A Mistle thrush is called a Turdus viscivorus - eerily connected since this is a Latin name...

[Florence Fennel]

Christmas Time, Mistletoe and Wine. I can hear you all shouting "Wrong Thread again Flo".

[Jax]

heheheh Jeanied, very bizarre isnt it!

Ff - Your singing is lovely!

[Florence Fennel]

Aww, thanks ducks

[binley100]

all goes along nicely with the sheep poo cards.........

(not your singing flo I hasten to add )

[Fruit&2veg]

Be Warned Ye Sinners!
There is till a law on the statute books (The Holy days and fasting act 1551) Requiring everyone to attend church on christmas day and further forbidding any form of transport other than foot to get there.
This has never been repealed

[Glutton4...]

My oh says she would kiss George clooney under a dung twig......

Tell her to get in the queue!

[Fruit&2veg]

England’s 'Long Parliament' of 1646 banned mince pie, Christmas pudding and Christmas dinners of more than 3 courses. These laws were never repealed, so technically they are still in effect!