- Mistletoe is a holiday symbol of happiness and prosperity, but you shouldn’t just throw it away after the holidays.
- According to superstition, old mistletoe should be kept until the next year and then burned.
- Learn more about the magical properties of mistletoe and why it is so valued in tradition.
- Find out how to deal with mistletoe after Christmas to avoid bad luck!
What to do with mistletoe after Christmas?
For many people, next to the Christmas tree, it is an obligatory plant that must appear at home on Christmas Eve. An evergreen shrub that bears fruit and flowers in winter is a symbol of the will to live and infinity. It is supposed to bring happiness and success to the household in the next year. Suspended above the Christmas Eve table, it is supposed to fulfill all wishes. If the mistletoe is to fulfill its purpose, according to tradition it should be lit on Christmas Eve. According to custom, the twigs can be placed above the table or in the entrance door. Then it will bring happiness. According to superstition, mistletoe should not be thrown away after Christmas. The twigs must be stored until the next Christmas Eve. To ensure that happiness does not leave the house, it should be burned before bringing a new one home.
Mistletoe – what kind of plant is it?
Mistletoe is an evergreen, parasitic shrub from the sandalwood family (the same from which sandalwood, known for incense and perfumes, comes from). In Poland, only common mistletoe occurs. It is a semi-parasite that attaches to a tree and uses special suction cups to take in water and mineral salts, thanks to which it can carry out photosynthesis. It does not destroy the host, but weakens it, especially during drought, when it takes away water supplies. Mistletoe fruits ripen in December and are a delicacy for birds. The white berries contain indigestible seeds, which birds use to spread the plant. Although mistletoe is an ingredient of many medicinal preparations, it is important to remember that all parts of the plant are poisonous, so it is better not to use it on your own.
The magical properties of mistletoe
For centuries, mistletoe has been considered a magical plant that can bloom and bear fruit when everything around it is frozen. Mistletoe twigs in the house were supposed to attract happiness, wealth, love and harmony. The plant protected against evil forces and lightning. When placed in a baby’s cradle, it warded off nightmares and spells. The herb added to the bath was supposed to restore vitality and strengthen people during illness. Mistletoe also had an effect on animals. Beating this plant three times with a rod was supposed to make the disobedient cow listen to its owner. Moreover, the magic of mistletoe was also evidenced by the fact that it is an evergreen plant and its ability to bear fruit when everything around it is covered with ice. Hence, it was credited with indestructibility and immortality. Its fruits were a symbol of fertility, so brides stood under the fruiting mistletoe in hopes of having numerous offspring.
Recommended article:
